Deal Accelerates As Spence Awaits Green Light

Djed Spence is one step away from joining Inter Milan, with talks between the reigning Serie A champions and Tottenham Hotspur accelerating rapidly. The 26-year-old is reportedly anxiously awaiting medical clearance to fly out to Milan and finalise his move.

Fee negotiations have moved considerably since earlier in the window. Tottenham initially demanded around £45 million, a figure that discouraged several interested Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. Now, however, both clubs appear close to an agreement worth roughly £25.6 million plus bonuses, a notable discount from Spurs' original valuation.

Notably, Spence's own preference has driven this acceleration. Reports suggest he prioritised an Inter switch over remaining in England, having previously enjoyed spells in Italy through a loan at Genoa. That familiarity with Serie A football, alongside the appeal of Champions League football at San Siro, made the decision considerably easier for him.

Interestingly, an understanding between Tottenham and Spence existed even before the World Cup, with head coach Roberto De Zerbi reportedly believing a transfer represented the best outcome for everyone involved. His subsequent standout tournament with England only heightened outside interest, yet his path away from north London never really changed.

Filling Dumfries' Void At San Siro

For Inter, signing Spence fills a specific need. He's set to replace Denzel Dumfries, who departed for Real Madrid earlier this summer, occupying the wing-back role within Cristian Chivu's 3-5-2 system. Notably, Inter's staff reportedly view him as a genuine first-choice option, not merely a fallback should other targets fall through.

A familiar face awaits him in Milan, too. John Stones, who joined Inter on a free transfer from Manchester City, has already discussed life in Italy with Spence directly. That connection should ease his settling-in period considerably once the move becomes official.

Tottenham, meanwhile, stand to make a sizeable profit, having signed Spence from Middlesbrough back in 2022 for a fraction of this fee. Talks are progressing steadily, according to Sports Mole, with both sides eager to finalise matters before the new season begins.