Tottenham signing Djed Spence and then loaning him back to Nottingham Forest could be a possibility but it would be a "strange" outcome, according to The Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Antonio Conte's side are leading the race and are hoping to wrap up a £17m deal to sign the highly-rated youngster, who impressed while on loan at the City Ground last season.

What's the latest news involving Spence?

According to The Northern Echo, Spurs have moved into pole position for the 21-year-old, who scored three goals and laid on five assists to help Forest gain promotion back to the Premier League via the play offs last month.

Tottenham have been chasing Spence's signature since the January window, with their interest now at an 'advanced stage'.

The report states the hierarchy in north London are confident they will finally get their man, beating off interest from the likes of Roma and Borussia Dortmund, with Spurs able to offer Champions League football following their fourth place finish.

Should Spence become Conte's second summer signing, he'll join Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty in competing for the right wing-back role.

But Taylor reckons that a return to the City Ground could be on the cards next season if both Royal and Doherty remain at the club.

What did Taylor say about Spence?

When asked whether he reckons Tottenham could sign him and loan him back to Forest, he told GIVEMESPORT: "I could see that happening, but the only thing I'd sort of say on that is given Royal, although he's improved a lot recently, and Doherty, haven't nailed down that right wing-back spot, it would be slightly strange to sign a player that could compete with them to then offload them."

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Should Tottenham loan out Spence?

As Taylor alluded to, sending Spence back to Forest only makes sense if both Royal and Doherty stay at the club, which would appear unlikely.

Both showed signs of improvement during the second half of the season, but Tottenham are open to selling the Brazil international, which should pave the way for Spence to battle it out with Doherty.

Furthermore, despite the recent £150m cash injection, Spurs are unlikely to spend upwards of £15m on a position they badly need to strengthen, only to loan him out straight away.

Therefore, providing Tottenham iron out the final details and Spence links up with Conte's squad, he can at least expect to be part of the Italian's plans next season.