Inter Milan are preparing to make a major move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence after identifying the England international as their preferred solution for the wing back position ahead of the new season.
The Serie A giants have reportedly increased their transfer budget and are now willing to meet Tottenham’s valuation of between £30 million and £35 million following Spence’s outstanding performances during the FIFA World Cup.
Inter’s growing interest reflects the club’s determination to strengthen its squad under new manager Cristian Chivu, who is eager to build a team capable of challenging for both domestic and European honours.
Spence has emerged as one of the most highly rated full backs in the tournament after producing a series of energetic displays for England. His pace, defensive awareness and ability to contribute in attack have attracted admiration from several European clubs, but Inter appear determined to move quickly before competition for his signature intensifies.
According to reports from Italy, club president Beppe Marotta and sporting director Piero Ausilio have already identified the 25-year-old as the club’s priority target.
Inter initially planned to invest around £21 million plus performance-related bonuses on a new wing back, but Spence’s impressive displays have convinced the club to increase its financial commitment.
The Nerazzurri believe his versatility makes him an ideal fit for Chivu’s tactical approach.
Unlike many traditional full backs, Spence is equally comfortable operating as an attacking wing back or as part of a defensive back four. His ability to play on either flank also provides valuable tactical flexibility, giving Inter additional options throughout a long and demanding campaign.
Cristian Chivu is understood to have personally approved the pursuit after discussing transfer priorities with club executives.
The Romanian coach reportedly views Spence as a player capable of transforming Inter’s wide play through his speed, stamina and ability to recover possession in defensive situations while also supporting attacks with overlapping runs.
Inter’s interest has intensified following significant changes within the squad.
The departure of Dutch international Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid created a major vacancy on the right side of defence, leaving the Italian club searching for a reliable long-term replacement.
Efforts to recruit other targets have failed to deliver the desired outcome.
A proposed move for highly rated youngster Marco Palestra did not progress as expected, while interest in Israeli defender Anan Khalaili came to an end after medical examinations reportedly identified a heart condition, preventing the transfer from moving forward.
Although alternatives such as Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina, Monaco defender Vanderson and Strasbourg full back Guela Doue continue to be monitored, Spence remains firmly at the top of Inter’s shortlist.
Negotiations with Tottenham are expected to begin once the World Cup concludes.
Spence remains part of England’s squad for the third-place playoff, meaning formal discussions are likely to be delayed until his international commitments have ended.
Tottenham are not expected to make negotiations easy.
The North London club considers Spence an important member of the squad and believes his market value has increased significantly following his World Cup performances.
Any agreement will therefore depend on whether Inter are prepared to meet Spurs’ asking price or negotiate a compromise.
Born in London, Spence began his professional career with Fulham before making his breakthrough at Middlesbrough.
His rapid development attracted national attention during a successful loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
His outstanding performances earned him a move to Tottenham, although his journey in North London initially included several loan spells as he sought regular first-team football.
Those experiences helped him mature both tactically and mentally.
Returning to Tottenham with greater confidence, Spence gradually established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable attacking full backs.
His athleticism, acceleration and willingness to drive forward have become defining features of his game, while his defensive discipline has improved considerably under top-level coaching.
Internationally, his impressive displays have also strengthened his position within England’s national team.
The World Cup has provided the perfect stage for Spence to showcase his qualities against elite opposition, further increasing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
For Inter, signing a player entering his prime years would represent an important investment for the future.
The club’s recruitment strategy under Oaktree ownership has focused on combining financial discipline with targeted signings capable of delivering immediate impact and long-term value.
Spence fits that profile perfectly.
With pre-season preparations fast approaching, Inter are expected to accelerate negotiations as they seek to finalise their defensive rebuild before the start of the Serie A campaign.
Whether Tottenham ultimately agree to part with one of their rising stars remains uncertain, but Inter’s determination suggests the pursuit of Djed Spence could become one of the most closely watched transfer stories of the summer window.
