‘I’m told’: 22-year-old will now not be leaving Tottenham in January, Antonio Conte will keep him – journalist

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Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas claims that Tottenham Hotspur are not currently planning to let Djed Spence leave in January and Antonio Conte will keep him.

Spence only made the switch to north London over the summer but the 22-year-old has cut a frustrated figure under Conte.

He’s yet to start a competitive game under the Italian and has been limited to just five substitute appearances after signing from Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

ESPN reported earlier this month that Spence could be set to leave Spurs on loan during the January transfer window, with a host of Premier League clubs interested.

But it seems that he will not be leaving Tottenham as things stand, but this could change later in the window.

Spence will not be leaving Tottenham

Thomas spoke on the Last Word On Spurs podcast about Spurs’ potential business over the next month.

The Sky Sports man claims Tottenham are planning to keep hold of Spence, but suggested this could change if they manage to sign a right wing-back.

“At the moment I’m told not [Spence leaving]. That’s what I’ve been told by my sources so far,” he said.

“Whether that changes towards the end of the window let’s see. I think that will depend on what happens in that position.”

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon right-back Pedro Porro, with Correio da Manha claiming they are ready to launch a bid.

But Thomas claims that Tottenham have cooled their interest due to the Portuguese outfit demanding his £40 million release clause be paid in full. 

Conte certainly needs reinforcements at right wing-back, especially if he is not going to give Spence a chance in the first-team.

Both Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal have been underwhelming this season, but it seems the club are weighing up their options at this moment in time.

If Spence isn’t going to get an opportunity under Conte, it seems pointless keeping him at the club, particularly if both Royal and Doherty remain in north London.

The youngster needs to be playing regular first-team football and it would be best for him to secure a loan move this month, preferably to a Premier League side.