Leeds United look set to strengthen in an area where they have looked particularly vulnerable in recent times as they close in on the signing of Tottenham Hotspur right-back Djed Spence, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Romano – posting on X – claimed that an agreement has been reached between Leeds and Spurs for Spence, and that the 23-year-old is now poised to join the Whites on a season-long loan for a £1m loan fee.
Djed Spence, set to join to Leeds Utd on loan deal from Tottenham — agreement has been reached today between the two clubs 🟡🔵🤝🏻 #LUFC
£1m loan fee, player has to give green light soon then here we go. pic.twitter.com/3zybMrFyaO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2023
Conclusion of the deal is understood to be dependent on Spence himself, who is yet to agree personal terms with Leeds.
Signing Spence would help remedy one of the West Yorkshire club’s key issues at present, a notable weakness in the full-back areas of the pitch. With Leeds stalwart Luke Ayling approaching the twilight of his career, and youngster Cody Drameh seemingly out of favour with manager Daniel Farke after a poor performance against Ipswich Town over the weekend, the Tottenham man would presumably become the German’s first choice at the right-back berth.
An injury to Sam Byram during the same fixture – a natural right-back who has been deployed at left-back since re-joining his former side this summer – has also increased the need for reinforcements at full-back.
And Spence, with his previous experience playing for Nottingham Forest in their 2021/22 Championship promotion season, is an ideal candidate to fill this void in Farke’s squad.
Spence scored 3 and assisted 5 times during his time at the City Ground, with his dribbling and ball-carrying ability crucial in helping Forest head coach Steve Cooper enact his offensive, attack-minded playing style.
With the full-backs performing a very similar role in Farke’s possession-based, high-intensity system – it is no surprise that Leeds have been so keen on acquiring Spence’s services this transfer window.
Were the defender to join the Whites he would become their sixth signing of the summer, following on from Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon and Joel Piroe.
