Everton are looking to bolster their backline as they target Spurs’ versatile England international, seeking a reliable defensive solution following the defender’s resurgence in North London.
Everton are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence in the summer transfer window.
Spence is currently away at the World Cup with England, coming off the bench against Croatia to help seal a 4-2 victory for Thomas Tuchel's side. The 25-year-old played 44 times for Tottenham last season in all competitions, with 30 of those coming in the Premier League.
Spence started 23 Premier League matches and was used at either left back or right back under various different managers.
It has been a difficult period for many Tottenham players who were managed by three different coaches last season. They finished in 17th place in the Premier League for the second consecutive campaign.
Everton interested in Djed Spence
According to a report from Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Tottenham full-back Spence in the summer transfer window.
The Toffees are said to have alternative options, such as West Ham United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Atalanta's Raoul Bellanova, and Strasbourg's Guela Doue.
The report from Joyce claims that one of Everton's priorities is to bring in a new right back, with the aforementioned Doue a potentially difficult deal to get over the line. It's claimed that Strasbourg will demand in the region of £40m for the full back, which could be out of reach for the Toffees.
It's unclear whether Tottenham will be willing to offload Spence in the summer transfer window, but he wasn't a guaranteed starter under Roberto De Zerbi last season. After De Zerbi arrived, Spence started just twice in the Premier League, with one of those coming against Everton in the final game of the season.
Spence finally making it at Tottenham
Spence might feel that he wants to remain with Tottenham heading into the 26-27 season, as he's finally starting to make a name for himself at the club. After joining Spurs back in 2022, Spence struggled to make an impact and was shipped out on loan three times before returning to North London back in 2024.
Since returning, Spence has been a regular senior player for Tottenham, even if he's not always been a guaranteed starter. His versatility has made him a useful squad option, capable of playing in either role at full-back. The England international was even utilised as a winger at times last season.
If Everton did make a move to sign Spence in the summer transfer window, it'll be interesting to discover whether he would be keen on the switch. The 25-year-old would likely come in and make the right-back position his own, which might be of interest to someone who has struggled to become a regular starter.
Spurs brought in Andy Robertson at left back, while Pedro Porro also signed a new long-term contract. There's every chance that the aforementioned duo are Tottenham's starting full-back pair heading into the new season. That could tempt Spence into a departure, so it'll be interesting to see if Everton ask the question.
