Everton are reportedly interested in making a move for England star Djed Spence to strengthen their right-back options.
The Three Lions defender faces increased competition for places under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham, making the Hill Dickinson the perfect place for him to secure consistent starts.
Djed Spence playing for England at the World Cup
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Spence was criticised after the DR Congo game but managed to impress in his brief appearance against MexicoCredit: Getty
The north London side has already added Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Pedro Porro has signed a new long-term contract and Destiny Udogie is expected to be a key member of the new squad redevelopment.
The London-born star signed with Spurs from Middlesbrough on a five-year contract under then-manager Antonio Conte in 2022.
He then spent various spells on loan to Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa.
The 2024/25 season was his breakthrough as he managed an extended run in the Spurs first team. At the end of the year, he even signed a new long-term deal with the club.
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During his time with the Lilywhites, he has made 85 appearances and netted two goals.
Everton's defensive need
Since Seamus Coleman announced he was leaving the Toffees at the end of the season, David Moyes has been keen on recruiting a new defender to fill the vacancy.
Last season, centre-back Jake O'Brien and midfielder James Garner predominantly occupied the role while playing out of their natural positions.
The Everton boss has seemingly not been keen on utilising Scottish international Nathan Patterson in that area, and he is also expected to leave the club this summer.
The Toffees mean business this summer transfer window and have already announced three signings, including Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George, and Merlin Rohl.
Tuchel demands
However, many Evertonians feel the Merseyside club's next priority needs to be a right-back and The Athletic have reported that Moyes has Spence on his radar.
Djed Spence Tottenham
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Spence has been at Tottenham since 2022Credit: Getty
The Tottenham defender has played a vital role in the Three Lions' World Cup journey following Reece James' injury, especially in the huge 3-2 victory against Mexico.
The 25-year-old was a doubt for the clash; however, with England down to ten men, Spence entered the pitch and in his 28-minute appearance he made five clearances, an interception and won one aerial duel.
Spence typically plays at left-back, but he can also operate on the opposite channel or push up to wing-back.
Many fans originally felt England manager Thomas Tuchel was highly demanding of the Spurs defender after footage emerged of the manager yelling at him in training: "Djed, Djed, Djed, wake up! Wake up!"
However, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler defended the approach and said: "I think he (Tuchel) has a clear profile regarding his full-backs. Clear demands, clear expectations and clear profile in what a full-back should be doing in his system.
"I see a quite flexible system and I see the full-back as a playmaker role and full-back that can really create a dynamic with deep runs and overlaps.
"I think he keeps pushing Spence because he’s a profile that has all these attitudes inside of him and these qualities. He likes full-backs who join the attack and who attack the box.
Guela Doue
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Doue's biggest strengths is creativity, aerial duels and being a goal threatCredit: Getty
"He has that with Nico O'Reilly on the left side and Spence on the right side becauseReece Jamesis injured.
"He tries to get the best out of them. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t work. But for me, the most important thing is to be really consistent in the messaging and the principles he wants the full-back to play."
Alternative targets
Everton have also been linked with Arsenal's Ben White and Guela Doue, though the Ivory Coast international is likely to be expensive.
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The Premier League winner would provide the perfect replacement on the right flank now that Jurrien Timber has become Mikel Arteta's first-choice at the Emirates.
Signing the Strasbourg defender would be a bolder decision for Moyes; however the Ivorian has enjoyed an impressive 18 months in Ligue 1 and was described by his former manager Liam Rosenior as a natural leader.