Everton eye Middlesbrough defender ahead of January window – report
TEAMtalk understand that Everton have been monitoring Middlesbrough’s young defender Djed Spence ahead of the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old has impressed for Neil Warnock’s side this season and has attracted various admirers in the Premier League.
He has helped to keep four clean sheets for the Boro this term and also has one assist to his name in eight Championship appearances.
TEAMtalk also understand that Wolves, Crystal Palace and Newcastle are looking at the young full-back as clubs begin to circle ahead of the January transfer window.
Spence has been deployed as both a winger and a full-back this season as he looks to be equally talented at defending and attacking. His versatility will impress Carlo Ancelotti who likes to use quick wingers and full-backs.
The 20-year-old plays on the right-hand side and could he could potentially be looked at as a long term replacement to the ageing Seamus Coleman.
Coleman has been a fantastic servant to Everton but at 32 the Irishman isn’t getting any younger and Spence could fill the gap that his eventual Everton departure will leave.
His are big shoes to fill and it will be a challenge to fill them for whoever is eventually brought in to replace Coleman but it looks as if Spence could be the man that Ancelotti wants.
Coleman isn’t leaving Goodison Park just yet however which would give Spence time to learn a thing or two from the 32-year-old if he was to join Everton. We should find out sooner rather than later if the Toffees will make a move for the Middlesbrough man as January approaches.
But Spence is a valuable part of Warnock’s side meaning it may take a decent transfer fee to lure the young defender to Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, summer transfer target Milik will be available in January.