Everton backed to accelerate Djed Spence deal as Tottenham open to 'big' move

Everton are prepared to accelerate their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur star Djed Spence after he returns from the World Cup.

The 25-year-old has played a big role under Thomas Tuchel as England have progressed into the World Cup semi-final, where they will face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Wednesday.

Should they continue their progress, they will face either Spain or France in New York on Sunday, and any transfer talk is being put on hold until the end of the tournament.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are very keen on Spence, and could step up their interest in the coming weeks.

David Moyes is determiend to strengthen his squad in both full-back positions, and the Tottenham star's ability to play both roles has made him their top target.

While a deal may be difficult to pull off given the finances involved after the quality of his performances for England, the Toffees are now keen to test the waters over a deal.

Will Everton make a move to sign Djed Spence?

Football Insider revealed on 13 July that Everton have been made aware they may have to part with £40million to lure Spence away from Tottenham this summer.

Everton are not expected to spend big, but with the full-back emerging among their top targets, they could be tempted to make a move.

There is a growing feeling that Tottenham are open to losing Spence for the right price, and with Everton determined to bolster in his position, they are prepared to make a move.

"Djed Spence would be an outstanding signing for Everton and he's certainly on their radar," Brown told Football Insider.

"They want to strengthen their squad, and I've said before that a new right-back and left-back are both going to be important for them.

"Spence can play in both of those positions, so he ranks highly among their targets, but he's also a better player than many give him credit for and he's showing that for England.

"He's extremely quick, gets out to his man, not afraid to put a challenge in, and can contribute going forward as well like he showed against Norway.

"I wouldn't expect anything to happen until the World Cup is over, because he's focused on Argentina and then hopefully the final, but after that I'd expect Everton to test the waters.

"Tottenham are having a busy window and might need to sell players given the money they have spent, so if Everton come in with a big offer, I think they'll be prepared to let him go.

"It might come down to what sort of money Everton are willing to spend, but he ticks plenty of boxes for them, so if there's any player they will spend big on, it should be Spence."

How does Spence feel about leaving Tottenham?

Everton's interest in Spence could see them test Spurs' resolve, with suggestions there are no plans in place to sell the full-back, but he could be allowed to leave.

After his impressive performances at the World Cup, he will return to Tottenam for pre-season training as Roberto De Zerbi continues to assess his squad.

Football Insider revealed on 11 July that Spence hopes to impress De Zerbi with his performances in pre-season as he aims to establish himself as part of his starting XI.

Following the manager's arrival in the closing stages of last season, the England international was heavily involved in the side, and could remain so next season.

Despite uncertainty around his future, he remains keen to show De Zerbi that he can still be a regular in his plans, while any talk over his future could be delayed.