Djed Spence’s ‘immediate’ Tottenham exit plan revealed as Everton swoop
Djed Spence plans to try to impress Roberto De Zerbi in pre-season once he returns from the World Cup amid interest from Everton, sources have told Football Insider.
The Tottenham defender has impressed for England this summer after being handed a surprise call-up to the World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel.
He is expected to start at right-back as the Three Lions face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with Jarell Quansah suspended and Reece James still a doubt.
Spence mostly featured at left-back for Spurs last season, and was a regular under De Zerbi following his arrival.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the 25-year-old is keen to prove himself to the Tottenham boss as they field interest in his signature from Everton.
The Toffees are keen to accelerate talks with Spurs for Spence, as David Moyes aims to bring in a recognised right-back this summer.
Djed Spence prioritising Tottenham stay despite Everton interest
Spence will be competing with new signing Andy Robertson for a place at left-back next season, while Pedro Porro has established himself as Spurs' clear first choice right-back.
Despite uncertainty around his future, he remains keen to show De Zerbi that he can still be a regular in his starting eleven after returning from the World Cup.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Nothing is imminent on his future as he's currently away at the World Cup with England. He's done okay for England, filling in when needed.
"His immediate thought will be to try and come back and impress at Spurs, and he did play most of the games under De Zerbi when he took over at the back end of the season as well.
"Obviously he is under contract until 2029, with the option of a further year, so Spurs are under no immediate pressure to sell him."
Cristian Romero still likely to leave Spurs after new arrivals
Romero is another Spurs defender who remains in the World Cup right now, with a semi-final clash against Spence and England potentially coming up next week.
His future has been plunged into doubt over the last few months, particularly after he angered fans by jetting off to Argentina while they battled against relegation.
He soon recovered from injury to play for his country at the World Cup, but sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Romero is still likely to leave Spurs this summer.
The club have already been planning for life without him, with Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi already signed to bolster their centre-back options.