‘I’ve got to say’: Manager hints he’s frustrated with Tottenham and Paratici when it comes to ‘fantastic’ player’s future

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Middlesbrough manager, Chris Wilder, has hinted at frustration when it comes to Tottenham and Djed Spence, with talks still progressing.

Spence was expected to be a Tottenham player a while back now but as yet, Spurs haven’t come to an agreement with Boro over a fee, meaning negotiations are dragging on. The northeast club are thought to be looking for closer to £20m for Spence, while Spurs are looking more at the £15m mark.

And Wilder, speaking after he left Spence out of last night’s pre-season win, hinted at frustration on his part, admitting he’s simply stepped aside from the negotiating table now.

“I’ve got to say, I’ve taken myself away from it. It’s not my job now, it’s gone beyond me and it’s not up to me to do the negotiating and agree a deal. That’s with the club and the owner and the chief executive,” Wilder told Teesside Live.

“We all understand the position and as I’ve said before, if it doesn’t go through, then he’s still under contract and he’s our player.”

It was reported over the last few days that Tottenham had essentially given up hope of Spence being signed in time for their pre-season tour. That has been confirmed, too, with Spurs announcing a squad which excludes Sergio Reguilon and other first-team players.

TBR’s View: Not Like Wilder To Distance Himself So Much

He’s always been such a hands on manager has Wilder, so for him to just leave others to do this deal shows you what he thinks of it all.

There is no desire it seems from Wilder to keep Spence. He’d probably much rather have the money raised to improve his squad, and it’s clearly a deal that is distracting for the club at a crucial time of the summer.

Spence will end up with Tottenham. But you can see why Wilder is getting a tad annoyed.