Tottenham Hotspur are 'adamant' they have not reached an agreement for Middlesbrough star Djed Spence, but there is belief that the right-back will end up at Hotspur Way, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Antonio Conte, who was appointed as the north Londoners' head coach last November, has targeted Spence ahead of his first full season at the helm.

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What's the latest news involving Spence?

According to MailOnline, Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Spence as their summer rebuild continues.

The report suggests the three-cap England under-21 international will set the Premier League side back up to £16million, plus add-ons.

Spence has returned to Middlesbrough after spending last season on loan with Nottingham Forest, where he won promotion via the play-offs.

The right-back's Championship performances caught Conte's eye and, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, led to the Italian being interested in striking a deal since March.

Spurs have been handed a boost in their pursuit as it is understood that Spence, who made 50 appearances and highlighted his attacking threat from full-back by racking up eight goal contributions last season, has expressed a preference to join the north Londoners while the clubs continue to hold negotiations.

What has Tom Barclay said about Spence?

Barclay believes there is still work to do if Spurs want to complete the acquisition of Spence.

However, the journalist is confident that the 21-year-old will end up heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the September 1 transfer deadline.

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Speaking on Friday, Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "There have been mixed messages on this one. I understand it's not as far as people have suggested.

"Some people have been suggesting it's a done deal and there is a medical.

"It does feel like this is going to eventually end up with Djed Spence at Tottenham, so I get that, but Spurs are pretty adamant that no agreements have been reached."

Who have Spurs signed since the window opened?

Tottenham have been among the most proactive clubs since the transfer window opened for business and that continued with Richarlison sealing his £60million switch from Everton earlier today.

While that resulted in the Brazilian striker becoming Spurs' club-record signing, they have also forked out £25million to tempt Brighton & Hove Albion into selling Yves Bissouma.

Fraser Forster has headed to north London following the expiry of his Southampton contract, while Ivan Perisic completed the move after his Inter Milan deal ran down.