Inter Milan are in advanced negotiations to sign Tottenham and England full-back Djed Spence in a deal worth at least £25.6m (€30m).
The 26-year-old has become a priority target for the Serie A champions after strengthening his reputation during the World Cup, where he made eight appearances for England.
Spence initially faced criticism during the tournament, but he responded by establishing himself in the team and impressing in England’s semi-final defeat by Argentina. His performances have increased interest in the Tottenham defender, with Inter Milan now attempting to reach an agreement for his transfer.
Tottenham have already started looking at possible replacements as discussions over Spence’s future progress.
The defender started 23 Premier League matches for Spurs last season, during a campaign in which the north London club narrowly avoided relegation. He has made 85 appearances for Tottenham since joining from Middlesbrough in July 2022 in a transfer worth £20m.
Spence’s potential departure comes despite Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi saying in July that he wanted to persuade the player to remain at the club. De Zerbi also said he regarded Spence as an important part of his plans.
The England international signed a long-term contract with Tottenham last year, but competition for the right-back position remains a significant factor in his situation.
Spain World Cup winner Pedro Porro currently occupies Spence’s preferred role on the right side of Tottenham’s defence. De Zerbi has described Porro as the “best in the world” in his position.
Spence demonstrated his versatility at the World Cup by playing six matches at left-back. He also spent much of last season on the left side for Tottenham, featuring there 32 times.
Tottenham strengthened that area of the squad at the start of the summer by signing Scotland left-back Andy Robertson from Liverpool. Robertson, 32, is another option for the position Spence occupied regularly last season.
Inter Milan’s interest follows a period in which Spence has become an increasingly established member of the England squad while continuing to provide cover in more than one defensive position for Tottenham.
The proposed fee would represent a minimum return of £5.6m on the amount Tottenham paid Middlesbrough for the player in 2022, although negotiations remain ongoing. Inter Milan are now seeking to complete a deal for a defender whose World Cup performances have helped place him among their leading targets.
Spence’s future will therefore depend on whether the Italian club can conclude the advanced talks and whether Tottenham decide to accept the offer, despite De Zerbi’s previous public wish to retain him.
