Djed Spence has revealed that he was always certain of completing a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and was not affected by the way in which the negotiations dragged on.
Spence had been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham for several months but the North London club were only able to finalise a deal with Middlesbrough for the 21-year-old around two weeks ago.
According to reports, Spurs will pay an initial £12.5m to Boro for the right-back, with the deal potentially rising to £20m including add-ons (Guardian).
The Athletic revealed following the transfer that Chelsea also showed interest in Spence but the England Under-21 international preferred a move to Tottenham.
The youngster has now said that he was always confident a transfer to Spurs would happen and focused on training hard through the summer.
He told Football.London: “[The wait] didn’t really affect me too much. I was always certain of coming here. It didn’t affect me too much. I just focused on what I was doing, training hard. That was it, really.”
When asked what attracted him to the club, Spence responded: “The manager [was a big draw], obviously the club itself is a big club. Champions League football. Those were the things that made me want to come.”
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The young full-back insisted he is willing to be patient, work hard and take his opportunities when they are presented to him during the upcoming campaign.
The right-back added: “The manager knows what he wants and he wants his players to work hard. I’m willing to do that. I think it’s going to be a good season for everyone.
“Hopefully I can make a quick impact, no one really likes waiting, although I know you’ve got to be patient and if you get the chance, you’ve got to take it.”
When asked what Conte had told him that he is expecting from him, Spence said: “Just buy into what he’s doing, work hard and just play well when I get my chance. That’s it.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Doherty will probably start the season as Conte’s first choice at right wing-back but Spence will likely get his opportunity sooner rather than later.
The 21-year-old does not seem to be lacking in confidence and I would not be surprised if he establishes himself as a regular in the side within the first few months of the campaign.
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