Liverpool

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Premier League • England

‘Outstanding’ defensive weapon warned to snub Liverpool interest for one very good reason

Djed Spence, Kostas Tsimikas Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend has warned current Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence not to sign for Liverpool for one very good reason.

The 21-year-old has been in the public eye during Forest’s excellent run to the FA Cup quarter-finals and he starred again as Steve Cooper’s men ran Liverpool very close at the City Ground on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side edged to a 1-0 victory thanks to Diogo Jota’s late strike. That result set up a semi-final against Premier League title rivals Manchester City.

But it was Forest who earned plenty of plaudits again for their display, with Spence to the fore.

The attacking right-back is currently on loan from Middlesbrough. However, his consistent performances this term have seen a number of top Premier League clubs linked with his services this summer.

The Anfield outfit are one such club, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Bayern Munich also keen. But Townsend has urged the player to think through his next move very carefully.

He thinks Spence will struggle to oust Liverpool’s current full-backs, who are two massive players for Klopp.

He told talkSPORT: “He has been outstanding. During that Cup run, he was absolutely fantastic. He looks like a player of real promise.

PSV winger Cody Gakpo rated at £40m wanted by Barca, Bayern and Liverpool

PSV winger Cody Gakpo rated at £40m wanted by Barca, Bayern and Liverpool

PSV winger Cody Gakpo is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Barcelona for £40m

“However, I don’t think anyone should go to a club knowing you are going to go there and going to sit and you are going to wait. If he goes to Liverpool, those two positions (right-back and left-back) are incredibly strong at that club.”

New right-back an area of need for Liverpool

Joe Gomez was Liverpool’s back-up option in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold against Forest.

However, the more natural centre-back has been tipped to exit Anfield this summer in search of regular game time. And if that does happen then Klopp is likely to add another back-up option, especially with Neco Williams tipped to join Fulham on a permanent basis.

Whether that is Spence remains to be seen, although Spurs remain the favourites for his signature.

Tottenham were chasing the Londoner back when Jose Mourinho was in charge and have maintained that interest.

Spence has scored twice in 25 appearances in all competitions for Forest this season and created numerous chances.

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