Nottingham Forest set to sign Djed Spence on permanent transfer as hilarious row with old boss Neil Warnock begins
NOTTINGHAM FOREST will try to turn Djed Spence’s loan permanent after winning promotion.
But they face a battle with Champions League-qualified Tottenham also weighing up a move for the Middlesbrough whizkid.
Forest ended their 23-year exile from the Premier League on Sunday by beating Huddersfield 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Spence, 21, has been an integral part of the Tricky Trees’ success since being farmed out by Boro at the start of the season.
He racked up 46 appearances for Forest in all competitions, and shone in FA Cup victories over Arsenal and Leicester.
Forest boss Steve Cooper would love to keep the right wing-back but there is no clause in the loan deal to turn the switch permanent.
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That would mean negotiating a price with Boro, who received substantial fees as part of the loan agreement for Forest reaching the play-offs and gaining promotion.
Boro are understood to be looking for around £20million, plus add-ons.
Spurs are long-term admirers and Spence would suit Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
But SunSport understands there is yet to be any contact between the North Londoners and Boro over a deal.
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It was in reference to Warnock joining the social-networking site last week and on Monday the 73-year-old showed his playful side with some good-natured joshing in reply.
The ex-QPR and Crystal Palace boss : “Well done Djed, I did say you were premier league or non league, glad you listened and took my advice on board now go and enjoy your success
“Those cigars won’t do you any good though son,” followed by a winking emoji.