'Keep an eye on this' - Everton Insider: Djed Spence move hinges on Nottingham Forest deal

Everton's chances of signing Tottenham full-back Djed Spence this summer may hinge on the Lilywhites' pursuit of Neco Williams.

That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Nottingham Forest man holds the "key" to any deal for his former club.

David Moyes' side are lining up a move for Spence after some impressive performances at the World Cup, while Williams has also emerged on Spurs' radar.

Wyness believes that Tottenham striking a deal for the Welshman could provide the trigger for Everton to move towards a deal for Spence.

Both players are primarily right-backs by trade, but have become increasingly capable of also operating on the left side of the defence.

Roberto De Zerbi is trying to stamp his image on the Spurs squad this summer, and that could yet play perfectly into Everton's hands.

Djed Spence chase 'one to keep an eye on'

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Spence will be an Everton player before the end of the summer window.

The Scottish businessman views Williams as a likely replacement for the England international in North London, and thinks that could trigger a chain of transfers if Nottingham Forest let him leave.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he labelled the Toffees' pursuit of Spence as "one to keep an eye on."

"I think a lot will depend on Spurs' pursuit of Neco Williams from Forest; that's going to be the key thing," Wyness said.

"If that goes ahead, then I do expect Spence still to come to Everton at some stage. And that could be done. The pursuit of Williams for Spurs, that is the key factor in this whole deal. 

"Look, he may wish to have a fresh start as well. And if he can play at right-back for Everton, that would be helpful. He's been there, and got that flexibility. 

"So look, it's one that we've just got to keep an eye on. But there could be a change in mind at Spurs as to whether they really need to fill that position or not."

Everton ready to 'test water' with Spence bid

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that he expects Everton to accelerate their pursuit of Spence once the World Cup is over.

England concluded their campaign with a 6-4 victory over France in Saturday's third-place play-off, with the players now due to return home shortly.

Brown made it clear that Tottenham are "open" to selling Spence if a big offer comes in for him, and expects Everton to "test the water" with a bid soon.

Inter Milan are also eyeing a move for the 25-year-old in the coming weeks, who could potentially cost up to £40million.