Liverpool ‘join’ Arsenal and Tottenham in race for Championship starlet

With Neco Williams likely to depart Anfield permanently this summer, it looks like Jurgen Klopp could finally bolster the right-back position to provide Trent Alexander-Arnold with some back-up.

Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence, according to Fichajes.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest and has proved himself to be one of the Championship’s biggest stars thanks to his spectacular form.

It was Spence’s performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January that caught the eye of the Gunners and he has since gained interest from a number of Europe’s top clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.

Spurs were the first team to make a move for the defender - failing in a deadline day attempt to snatch him away from the City Ground.

Spence extended his contract with Middlesbrough prior to his move to Forest and so has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal.

The Teesside club are likely to demand a fee in the region of around £15 million for the right-back - a tempting price-tag if he is able to meet his potential in the Premier League.

Goal claimed earlier this week that Tottenham are leading the race to sign Spence, while Alexander-Arnold’s importance to Liverpool could prove to put the Merseyside club at a disadvantage.

If Spence is eager for first team football in the top tier then he knows it will take a lot for him to ever dislodge the England international from the starting line-up.

The full-back would likely face less competition in London, with Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal yet to impress for Antonio Conte’s side.