A lot could happen at Crystal Palace this month if Steve Cooper replaces Roy Hodgson – including a potential deal for Djed Spence.
It has been revealed that Steve Parish recently planned to hold talks with the Welshman about taking over at Selhurst Park amid a run of two wins in 14 games for the 76-year-old.
If Steve Cooper does end up at Crystal Palace, here’s why we think a deal for Djed Spence might materialise…
Why Djed Spence could join Crystal Palace
Well, the England U21 international surprisingly saw his loan move at Leeds United cut short, with Tottenham now ready to sell the right-back amid doubts over his application.
That is according to the Daily Mail.
Incidentally, Cooper enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Spence at Nottingham Forest in the 2021/22 campaign, helping the Londoner make the Championship Team of the Season as promotion was earned via the Play-Off final.
The 23-year-old impressively scored two goals and provided five assists in 42 Championship appearances for Nottingham Forest that term, earning a £20m move to Tottenham as a result.
Now, with Crystal Palace in need of fresh legs at right-back as Joel Ward and Nathaniel Clyne approach the end of their Premier League careers, a move for Spence would presumably be on Cooper’s mind if the 44-year-old did end up replacing Hodgson.
As aforesaid, Tottenham are also looking to sell the Englishman, so a deal would surely be quite straightforward for Dougie Freedman to negotiate.
Djed Spence loan with option to buy would be worth the gamble
Many will question why we should pursue a deal for Spence when Leeds decided to send him back to Spurs.
While those concerns are certainly understandable, Selhurst Park has often proven to be a rehabilitating place for lost footballers, such as Yannick Bolasie, Damien Delaney and also Wilfried Zaha after his stint at Manchester United.
Therefore, Spence could truly find himself at Crystal Palace and fulfil his obvious potential if Cooper takes over, a manager who has forged strong relationships with other misunderstood talents, including Jadon Sancho.
