Inter Milan are targeting Tottenham defender Djed Spence as a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, with talks centred on a fee of around €30-40 million.
Inter Target Djed Spence as Replacement for Denzel Dumfries
Inter Milan have identified Djed Spence as a leading candidate to replace Denzel Dumfries following the Dutch international's move to Real Madrid. According to reports in Italy and England, the Serie A champions are working to strengthen the right side of their defence and have turned their attention to the Tottenham Hotspur full-back after another option collapsed late in the transfer process. Spence has emerged as an attractive target because of his combination of Premier League experience, previous exposure to Serie A and ability to operate on either side of the defence. Inter are believed to have already made an offer worth around €30 million, although there are conflicting reports over exactly how much Tottenham would require before allowing the England international to leave North London.
The 26-year-old has taken an unusual route to this point in his career. Spence came through Middlesbrough's academy and established himself in the senior team during the 2019/20 season before gaining wider recognition during a successful loan spell with Nottingham Forest in the Championship. His performances there significantly increased his reputation and eventually earned him a move to Tottenham. The transition to Spurs was not straightforward, however, and Spence had to wait considerably longer than expected before establishing himself as a regular member of the first-team squad. Instead of immediately securing a place in North London, he spent periods away from the club attempting to accumulate the playing time required to continue his development.
Spence Career Took Time to Develop at Tottenham
Loans at Stade Rennes and Leeds United were both intended to provide Spence with greater continuity, but neither spell developed exactly as hoped. His time at Leeds ended prematurely when the loan agreement was terminated midway through the season, after which Tottenham sent him to Genoa. That move gave him his first experience of Italian football and could now prove relevant as Inter consider bringing him back to Serie A. Spence did not become an undisputed starter during his time in Italy, but the spell gave him an understanding of the league and a different tactical environment before he returned to Tottenham.
His situation changed significantly once he was back in London. Rather than moving him on permanently, Tottenham continued to see a future for the defender and eventually gave him a more prominent role. Spence made 35 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign as Spurs went on to win the Europa League, giving him the type of sustained involvement he had struggled to find earlier in his career. He followed that with an even busier season, making 44 appearances and performing consistently enough to force his way into the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. That progression has transformed him from a player repeatedly sent out on loan into an established international and a defender capable of attracting serious interest from one of Italy's biggest clubs.
Inter Search for Dumfries Successor After Khalaili Deal Collapses
Inter's interest has been accelerated by the departure of Dumfries, whose move to Real Madrid created an obvious vacancy on the right side. Replacing him has become one of the club's main priorities, and Spence is not the first player they have pursued during the transfer window. The Italian champions had previously been close to signing Union Saint-Gilloise breakthrough star Anan Khalaili, but that transfer fell apart at the final stage. With that option no longer available, Inter have had to move quickly towards alternatives, and Spence's profile appears to fit what they are searching for.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter have submitted an offer of approximately €30 million, but Tottenham are not yet convinced. The Italian newspaper claims Spurs value Spence at around €40 million, although a proposal closer to €35 million could be enough to begin serious negotiations. The Guardian offers a different version of the situation, reporting that Tottenham's asking price is closer to €30 million and that the club would be willing to sanction his departure. That report also suggests Spence is not considered a perfect fit for Roberto De Zerbi's preferred system, something that could make a transfer more realistic despite the defender's increased importance over the previous 2 seasons.
Versatility and World Cup Experience Make Spence Attractive to Inter
One of Spence's most useful qualities is his ability to play on both sides of the defence. Although naturally right-footed, he has regularly operated at left-back and was used there extensively for England during the recent World Cup. That versatility could be particularly valuable to Inter over the course of a long season, allowing the coaching staff to use him in different roles without needing to significantly alter the balance of the side. His athletic qualities and willingness to advance from full-back also make him a logical candidate to replace Dumfries, even if the 2 players are not identical in style.
Spence's World Cup performances have added further weight to his reputation. England eventually secured third place at the tournament, and the Tottenham defender played the full 90 minutes in the extraordinary third-place play-off against France, which ended in a 6-4 victory for the Three Lions. Taking part in such a high-profile international match represented another important step in a career that has accelerated considerably after several difficult years. His inclusion in the England squad was itself recognition of the progress made at Tottenham, while his ability to contribute in different positions strengthened the case that he is now ready for a major role at club level.
A return to Italy would therefore come under very different circumstances from his earlier spell at Genoa. Spence would arrive at Inter as an established Premier League player and England international rather than as someone looking simply for regular minutes. He would also be joining a club searching specifically for a replacement for an important departing player, meaning the expectation would be for him to compete for a significant role immediately. The remaining question is whether Inter and Tottenham can bridge the gap in their valuations. With reports differing over whether Spurs want €30 million, €35 million or closer to €40 million, negotiations could still require time, but Inter's interest appears serious and Spence has now become one of the central names in their attempt to rebuild the right side of the team after Dumfries' departure.
