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Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence has discussed his unsuccessful loan spell at Leeds United - and addressed criticism from his former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock.

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The adventurous full-back joined the Whites on loan in 2023, just over a year on from his £20m move from Middlesbrough to Tottenham Hotspur.

He looked to be a coup for the Championship outfit, but he managed just seven outings before his loan stay was curtailed.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Spence said: “The second loan, when I went to Leeds, it was ‘the [Spurs] manager [Antonio Conte] hasn’t seen much of you, you need to go out and play and prove yourself’.

“That’s when I went to Leeds. That didn’t quite work out. Obviously, I got an injury.

"All the loan moves and everything, I never really settled and had the chance to play. Now I'm playing week in, week out, I feel settled.”

Spence has found form at Tottenham and has been among the club’s better performers in a tough campaign.

The 24-year-old’s ability has never been in doubt, but his former Middlesbrough boss Warnock raised question marks over his ceiling after sanctioning a loan move to Nottingham Forest.

In an appearance on talkSPORT, Warnock said: "I let him go. He needed to sort himself out, really. I basically said to him that you can go to the top or you can go non-league.

"I think Steve Cooper is the manager for him, to be honest. He has let him go forward more often, which suits his game."

Warnock’s comments were put to Spence and the former England under-21 international conceded he “didn’t take it on”.

He said: "If I'm honest I didn't take it on. I don't know. I had a lot of conversations with him to be fair, and he always said he'd seen a lot of players and I could be the best. He made that comment, I'm either going to be non-league or whatever he said.

"It's a weird one because if I go in and do rubbish and become non league, he was right. If I go on and become the best, he was right. It's a weird comment. He's alright, man, he's alright."

Leeds United have been urged to consider a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies by one of their former players.

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On more than one occasion during the reign of Daniel Farke, Leeds have been credited with interest in the Spurs veteran.

However, a move away from London has not materialised for the 31-year-old and he has featured regularly when fit under Ange Postecoglou.

However, it does not appear implausible that summer investment at Tottenham could send Davies plummeting down the pecking order.

Leeds are on course to seal promotion to the Premier League, but will need experience if they do return to the promised land.

Speaking to Football League World, former Whites and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder David Prutton has suggested Davies as a transfer option.

He said: “If the price is right, the wages are correct and you had a highly motivated international footballer on your hands that could lead the dressing room, then I think it’s something Leeds should look seriously at.”

Leeds have been strong in the full-back areas this season, benefitting from the attacking talents of Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo.

Davies can play at left-back or centre-back and could plug a key gap if Firpo moves on when his contract expires in the summer.

Alternatively, he could be a centre-back option or a player who can deputise in various roles in the backline.

Prutton said: “They will have their backs to the wall for what feels like the best part of 10 months, it just goes to show how tough it is.

“I think with the ability from both flanks that we’ve seen from Bogle and Firpo, you’ve got players there who can get into positions to score goals in the Championship, obviously the jury’s out on the Premier League.

“But again, maybe allow that to Ben Davies’ experience both internationally and domestically, you’ve got a player there who could be very good for the dressing room. But, at 31, [it is] whether he wants to come and just be a bit-part player.

“But if you want to reward the players that have done a job in the Championship, I think Firpo is one of many Leeds United players that played for them in the Prem that didn’t do anything to be honest.

“They were there to try and take the team on to the next level, didn’t do that categorically in that season they were relegated, he’s got a point to prove.

“But he’s shown this season, alongside Bogle, that they are two of the best attacking full-backs in the division, so that’s what Ben Davies would have to supplant. So there’s a chance for him in his advancing years.”

Davies has plied his trade with Tottenham since 2014 and amassed 350 appearances for the club.

He represents Wales at international level, like Leeds quintet Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Charlie Crew and Daniel James.

Crystal Palace have reportedly been joined by Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in the race for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.

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A product of Middlesbrough’s academy, Hackney is now a talismanic figure at first-team level and recently clocked up his 100th appearance for the club.

However, as his stock continues to soar, so does the fear he may one day play his football away from the Riverside.

Middlesbrough currently sit outside the Championship play-offs and holding on to the 22-year-old may prove tough if promotion is not secured.

Crystal Palace were recently linked with the midfielder, who is currently on international duty with England under-21s.

However, Football Insider have claimed the Eagles have been joined in the Hackney hunt by Tottenham and Villa.

Both clubs have shown a willingness to recruit from the second tier, with Villa’s capture of Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough a recent example.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have relied heavily on Archie Gray since prising him from Leeds United in the summer of 2024.

Hackney has previously been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United, and was reportedly the subject of interest from Porto in the winter window.

Middlesbrough retained his services beyond the last transfer deadline, but it appears they have a battle on their hands in the summer.

Leeds United, Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur-linked midfielder Lennon Miller could reportedly be the subject of an £8m offer from Lyon.

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A teenage sensation at Motherwell, Miller has sent his stock soaring with a string of mature displays in the Scottish top flight.

Celtic have been strongly linked with a move for the prodigy, who has represented Scotland’s under-21s despite being just 18.

In November, The Boot Room credited a raft of English clubs with interest in his services. Leeds were among them, as were the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and West Ham United.

However, it appears there is also interest from France in the midfielder. According to Football Insider, Lyon are ready to table an £8m offer for the 18-year-old.

The Ligue 1 side are said to have scouted Miller on a number of occasions, believing him to be among Europe’s top prospects.

Motherwell are reportedly aware of the interest in the coveted asset, but will only sell him for a record transfer fee.

Miller has made 30 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals and registering six assists.

Considering there appears to be interest from high-profile clubs in Miller’s signature, a deal could prove hard for Leeds to complete if they do pursue one.

The business Leeds conduct in the summer is likely to depend on their fate in the Championship promotion race, with Premier League status something that would give the Whites greater pulling power.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has issued an update regarding Leeds United’s interest in Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon.

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The 25-year-old was loaned to Elland Road in the summer and has become a key figure in the club’s title charge.

Reports have indicated the Whites would like to sign the Israel international on a permanent deal in the summer, although Everton have also been credited with interest.

According to Romano, Leeds do indeed want to retain the tricky wideman. However, it appears their chances of securing his signature could hinge on their fate in the Championship promotion race.

Speaking on GiveMeSport’s Market Madness, Romano said: “Leeds want to try to keep the player, but they will need to get promoted.

“There will be more clubs interested from the Premier League. At the moment, it’s not something advanced.

“The player is focused on events on the pitch, so there’s nothing really concrete, but the interest from Leeds to make this deal is absolutely there. There was also interest from Italy before he joined Leeds, but for sure Leeds will try.”

Solomon and Daniel James, who were once teammates at Fulham, have been Daniel Farke’s first-choice options out wide.

Farke also has Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani at his disposal, but has been using the pair as options from the bench.

Speaking to The Athletic last month, Solomon did not deny the possibility of a long-term future in West Yorkshire.

He said: “I love it here, I love the fans. I love the club. I love the players, the manager. Especially now, I’m really enjoying it and I love living here.

“Of course, it’s different to London, less things to do and we have less friends here. All the Israelis, they live in London, but we found our place here.

“You can’t predict what will happen in the future, whether I come back to Tottenham, whether I go to a different team, or whether I stay here in Leeds, you can’t predict it, but, of course, for me, the door is really open.”

Leeds United have been credited with interest in a summer move for Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon - but so have a Premier League club.

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The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Elland Road, playing a crucial role in the club’s Championship promotion tilt.

He has established himself as an almost indispensable figure for the Whites, registering seven goals and seven assists in 26 appearances.

Reports have indicated Leeds hold interest in striking a permanent deal in the summer, but it appears they could face competition.

Everton look set for a huge summer as they usher in a new era at their new stadium and have been named as an interested party by former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he said: “As far as Everton are concerned, we speak every week about them needing a winger

“Solomon can play on either flank and can play as a number ten, depending on the formation David Moyes wants to adopt, and he’s a player that would bolster their ranks.

“He’s 25 now, you’re not waiting for potential, he’s ready and wants to go and play. Everton aren’t the only side interested, obviously Leeds are there as well, but they’re only in contention if they earn promotion to the Premier League.

“Solomon, you would expect since he’s been loaned out by Tottenham, is going to be the subject of a bidding war in the summer.

“The important thing for him is to play regular football and I think Everton is a good fit for him, but there will be a lot of clubs looking at him.”

Solomon had big boots to fill at Elland Road, with talismanic winger Crysencio Summerville having left for West Ham United.

He has impressed under the tutelage of Daniel Farke and spoken candidly about his enjoyment of life in LS11.

Speaking to The Athletic last month, the Israel international said: “I love it here, I love the fans. I love the club. I love the players, the manager.

“Especially now, I’m really enjoying it and I love living here. Of course, it’s different to London, less things to do and we have less friends here. All the Israelis, they live in London, but we found our place here.

“You can’t predict what will happen in the future, whether I come back to Tottenham, whether I go to a different team, or whether I stay here in Leeds, you can’t predict it, but, of course, for me, the door is really open.”

Leeds United are interested in signing Manor Solomon from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent deal, according to a report.

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The 25-year-old arrived at Elland Road in the summer, making a temporary switch after being hampered by injury in the Premier League.

He has become a crucial figure for Daniel Farke’s side, registering seven goals and seven assists across 25 Championship outings.

The Israel international was not signed as part of a loan-to-buy agreement, but it appears Leeds would like to hold talks with Tottenham.

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites want to retain Solomon and will discuss the prospect when the current campaign concludes. However, it is thought the sale of Wilfried Gnonto could be required to make it possible.

Promotion to the Championship would arguably give Leeds’ chances of landing the wideman a significant boost, with Premier League interest in his services appearing likely.

Solomon has waxed lyrical regarding his time at Elland Road, telling The Athletic last month that he “loves” the club.

He said: “I love it here, I love the fans. I love the club. I love the players, the manager. “Especially now, I’m really enjoying it and I love living here.

“Of course, it’s different to London, less things to do and we have less friends here. All the Israelis, they live in London, but we found our place here.

“You can’t predict what will happen in the future, whether I come back to Tottenham, whether I go to a different team, or whether I stay here in Leeds, you can’t predict it, but, of course, for me, the door is really open.”

Middlesbrough are reportedly among the clubs to have enquired about Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Will Lankshear.

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The 19-year-old is among the Premier League’s brightest prospects and represents England at youth level.

Originally an Arsenal trainee, Lankshear spent a year in Sheffield United’s youth system before Tottenham came calling in 2022.

According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are looking to loan the forward out and are not short of options.

Middlesbrough are believed to have enquired about the teenager’s availability, while Burnley and Luton Town are also thought to have asked.

West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City have also been credited with interest in Lankshear, who was named the 2023/24 Premier League 2 Player of the Season.

He could prove to be an ideal replacement for Emmanuel Latte Lath if the Boro talisman does seal a move to MLS side Atlanta United.

Middlesbrough have made four senior signings in the current window, landing Mark Travers, Ryan Giles, George Edmundson and Morgan Whittaker.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for ex-Hull City loanee Liam Delap - but could face competition from Chelsea.

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The 21-year-old spent last season on loan in Yorkshire, scoring eight goals in 32 appearances for the Tigers.

Manchester City sanctioned a permanent exit for the frontman in the summer, selling him to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.

He has been a revelation at Portman Road, notching eight goals in 22 outings and fuelling talk of interest from Chelsea.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are also weighing up a swoop for the England under-21s marksman.

Ipswich are said to be keen to retain Delap, slapping a £40m on his head as a minimum price tag. Despite their desire not to sell, the report claims money could well talk.

Tottenham have endured a woeful campaign but manager Ange Postecoglou is reportedly set to be backed with reinforcements.

The club are believed to be keen on recruiting new defenders, as well as a new forward option.

Celtic have reportedly hired former Sheffield Wednesday and Tottenham Hotspur manager David Pleat as a scout.

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The 79-year-old is a vastly experienced figure and is considered a fountain of knowledge when it comes to talent identification.

Years after his final tenure as Spurs boss, Pleat returned to the club as a scout and had a hand in the signings of various first-team stars.

According to Mail Online, Celtic have called on Pleat’s talents to identify potential signings. He is believed to have been handed a one-year deal, with his primary focus being talent in England.

A winger in his playing days, Pleat represented the likes of Nottingham Forest and Exeter City before moving into coaching.

He led Luton Town and Tottenham twice and also had spells in charge of Nuneaton Borough, Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls handed Pleat the reins in the summer of 1995 and he was at the helm during a period of change at Hillsborough.

A number of senior players were moved on as the club ushered in a new era and Pleat was the boss when Benito Carbone and Paolo Di Canio were signed.

Pleat was sacked in November 1997, paying the price for a sluggish start to the season.