Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is 'personally working on a deal' for Middlesbrough star Djed Spence and there is confidence that a Hotspur Way deal will be struck 'by the start of the season', according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Spurs are preparing for a return to the Champions League, having bagged a place in the Premier League's top four last season, and Spence appears to be nearing a move to north London.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Spence?

Spence is back at Middlesbrough after spending last season on loan with then-Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.

However, it appears he may not be at the Riverside Stadium for much longer as, having helped Forest seal a return to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years, he has attracted interest.

A move could be imminent as, according to MailOnline, Tottenham are in advanced talks to seal Spence's arrival.

The report suggests Spurs are preparing to part with £16million, plus add-ons, for the three-cap England under-21 international.

Spence has potentially handed Tottenham a major boost in their pursuit as it is understood that the 21-year-old has expressed a preference to join Antonio Conte's side.

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What has Alex Crook said about Spence?

Crook understands chairman Levy has made it his personal mission to reach an agreement with Middlesbrough for Spence.

Although the talkSPORT reporter understands Spurs supporters' frustrations at a deal failing to get over the line so far, he is confident Levy will get his man.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: "What's interesting about this deal - and the reason that Tottenham fans are getting agitated - is because it's believed to be the one transfer that Daniel Levy is personally working on.

"Obviously, it's one they've not managed to get over the line, so there's a bit of angst about that, but I would still expect Djed Spence to be a Tottenham player by the start of the season."

Why is Spence on Spurs' wishlist?

Conte's admiration for Spence is clear as, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Italian has been interested in striking a deal since March.

The Middlesbrough man showed he can be a threat going forward by registering eight goal contributions while on loan with Nottingham Forest last season, which will be music to Conte's ears considering he likes to deploy attacking wing-backs.

While Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Japhet Tanganga were offered opportunities down the right-hand side during the 2021/22 campaign, none of them truly made the position their own and Spence could be the answer to Spurs' problems.