NOTTINGHAM FOREST will always attempt to convert Jed Spence’s loan after winning the upgrade.
But they face a battle with Champions League qualifiers Tottenham who are also considering a move to Middlesbrough.
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Forrest ended his 23-year ban from the Premier League on Sunday by defeating Huddersfield 1-0 in the tournament final at Wembley.
Spence, 21, has been an integral part of Tricky Trees’ success since Burrow planted it early in the season.
He participated in 46 matches with Forrest in all competitions, and starred in the FA Cup over Arsenal and Leicester.
Forest head coach Steve Cooper would love to keep the right-back, but there is no clause in the loan deal to permanently convert the switch.
That could mean negotiating a price with Boro, who received a hefty fee as part of the loan agreement to get Forest to the playoffs and get a promotion.
Boro is understood to be looking for around £20m, plus add-ons.
Tottenham are a long-term fan and Spence fits Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system.
But SunSport understands that there has not yet been any communication between North Londoners and the Borough of a deal.
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Spence’s impressive campaign also saw him win his first international match for England Under-21s in March.
He will join the Young Lions on Tuesday evening, a day after the rest of the squad, ahead of their four European Championship qualifiers against the Czech Republic, Albania, Kosovo and Slovenia next month.
His fellow Forester James Garner and Huddersfield star Levi Colwell will also be linked with the England under-21 team at the same time, as well as Liverpool player Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones after their efforts in the Champions League final, and Leicester’s Luke Thomas.
Spence celebrated his promotion success with a lukewarm pit stop from old boss Neil Warnock, who deemed him not ready to sweat when the Borough coach sent him on loan to Forrest.
the guy post a picture About himself with the playoff winner’s medal around his neck, a trophy in front of him and a cigar in his mouth with the caption, “Oh, where’s my etiquette! Welcome to Twitter warnockofficial”, as well as a kiss emoji.
It was in reference to Warnock joining the social media site last week, and on Monday the 73-year-old showed his hilarious side with some daring in response.
Former President of Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace WroteWell done grandfather, you said you were in the Premier League or out of the league, glad you listened and took my advice now, go and enjoy your success
“This cigar is not going to do you any good, son,” followed by a winking emoji.
