Report: Italian club prepared to end pursuit of player due to Tottenham’s transfer demands

Tottenham and Genoa are struggling to reach an agreement for Djed Spence.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Genoa is now prepared to abandon their pursuit of Spence, as they are unwilling to meet Tottenham’s asking price for the player.

Spence had a relatively successful loan spell at Genoa during the second half of last season and was widely expected to make a permanent move. He impressed by making 16 appearances in Serie A, helping Genoa finish in eleventh place (BBC).

In fact, GiveMeSport suggested last week that the two clubs were nearing an agreement, claiming that the transfer could be sealed swiftly. The publication confirmed previous reports that the Italian club did not want to activate the £8.4m option to buy Spence permanently and were seeking to reduce the price by a few million.

With the option to buy clause only valid until the end of June, time is running out for a deal to be reached. However, Tavolieri’s latest update indicates that negotiations are expected to be called off since the two clubs have not been able to reach an agreement.

The journalist explained that Tottenham insists on receiving at least €7m (£6m) for the right-back, a price that Alberto Gilardino’s side is not willing to pay. Instead, Genoa is now expected to shift their focus to Napoli’s Alessandro Zanoli, who is available on loan with an option to buy for €6m (£5m).

An asking price of £6m for Spence is certainly not excessive, given the attributes he possesses. He could be a major asset in the right system, which is why I expect a few lower Premier League sides to explore a move for the right-back.

Although Spence had a challenging loan spell at Leeds at the start of last season, he managed to revive his prospects with a decent performance in Italy, which may have changed the minds of some English clubs.