Liverpool are reportedly considering a surprise transfer move for Tottenham and England defender Djed Spence this summer, with the Merseyside club ready to pounce should an opportunity arise before the transfer deadline.
Spence, 25, has resurrected his Tottenham career after a series of loan spells, culminating in a standout World Cup campaign with England. However, according to The Sun, Tottenham are 'open' to selling the versatile full-back for around £35m, with Liverpool among the clubs monitoring the situation.
Spence's resurgence and World Cup breakthrough
Spence joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough in 2022 for £20m, following an outstanding loan spell at Nottingham Forest that helped the club win promotion to the Premier League. Yet, after underwhelming in north London, he was loaned out to Rennes, Leeds, and Genoa before returning to Spurs last season.
The 2025/26 campaign saw Spence play with renewed confidence and purpose, earning him a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad. He proved to be one of England's breakout stars with a series of eye-catching performances in the knockout stages, further raising his profile.
Tottenham's stance and competition
Despite his resurgence, Spence is not guaranteed a starting spot under new Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, with Pedro Porro and Andy Robertson reportedly favored as the club's first-choice full-backs. This has led to speculation that Spurs would consider offers in the region of £35m.
Liverpool, now led by new manager Andoni Iraola, are scouring the market for defensive reinforcements and are said to be among the clubs tracking Spence. However, they face stiff competition from both domestic and overseas clubs, including Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Inter Milan's interest and Spence's Serie A desire
Inter Milan have already held discussions with Spence's representatives this summer, having been impressed by his half-a-season loan stint with Genoa two years ago. Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reported last month that Spence 'truly wanted to return' to Serie A to replace Denzel Dumfries at Inter.
However, three weeks on, Inter have yet to formalize their pursuit, leaving Spence in a state of uncertainty as the new Premier League season approaches.
Pre-season and contract situation
Spence signed a new contract with Tottenham last August, tying him to the club until June 2028. He was not included in De Zerbi's touring party for pre-season matches in New Zealand and Australia against Auckland FC, Sydney FC, and Chelsea, as one of Tottenham's many World Cup participants.
Tottenham continue their pre-season with a friendly against Getafe on Saturday, followed by a home match against Hoffenheim. Their Premier League campaign begins away to Brentford on August 22.
