Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence opens up on Premier League hopes as he responds to reported summer interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham after stunning Nottingham Forest form

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Middlesbrough man Djed Spence has admitted that he aspires to play in the Premier League amid reported interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

The defender is attracting plenty of attention thanks to his stunning form during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest this season.

Spence has opened up on his aspirations of playing in the Premier League

As well as helping Steve Cooper’s side to FA Cup victories over the likes of Leicester and Arsenal, the 21-year-old has pushed Forest into play-off contention in the Championship, with the Reds just three points outside of the top six.

A flying wing-back by trade, Spence has been linked with a move to clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham in recent weeks, while the likes of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Roma are also said to be keen.

Middlesbrough are understood to value the player at £20million as they brace themselves for significant interest in the newly-capped England under-21 international this summer, but according to Spence, the focus has to be on finishing the season well at the City Ground.

Speaking to The Daily Mirror, Spence said: “I always want to push myself and play with the best players and best team.

“Of course, it’s an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League. I try to stay level-headed.

“I don’t read too much into it. At the end of the day, I’m just here to enjoy my football.

Spence made his first appearance for England Under-21s in their victory over Albania on Tuesday night

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“I need to stay focused, have tunnel vision and play well on the pitch.

“It’s been hard. But I never worry, really. I know my ability, I know what I’m capable of.

“I’ve got a good family behind me that pushes me and mentors me.

“I’ve just got to keep moving forward and opportunities will always rise up. So I’ve got to be ready to take them.”

Spence has put in some stunning displays during a loan spell with Forest this term

“I’ve got a good family behind me that pushes me and mentors me.

“I’ve just got to keep moving forward and opportunities will always rise up. So I’ve got to be ready to take them.”

Spence was also full of praise for Forest boss Cooper, adding: “He says: ‘Just believe in yourself. Go out there with the right attitude to play. Do the right things first and then your talent takes over.’

“That’s the main thing I’ve learnt, just doing things right.

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Spence’s future will ultimately be decided by Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder with the player under contract

“The rest, your talent will take over. It’s been a good season.

“The manager who has come in has done well with the group of players and we’ve all believed in what he’s come here to do. It’s going well.”

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March 30, 2022 at 11:50PM Premier League Football Fixtures and Results - talkSPORT https://ift.tt/gHOciEa