Report: Wolves leading race for £5m-rated English player, Gerrard wants him at Rangers

Wolves are leading the chase to sign defender Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, according to ESPN.

They report that the 20-year-old right-back is of interest to the Old Gold, because Nelson Semedo’s future is uncertain.

Spence would apparently cost £5 million from Neil Warnock’s Championship side, who have once again missed out on the play-offs.

But there is plenty of interest in his signature with Rangers and Everton both apparently in the race.

The report doesn’t say why Semedo’s future is unclear. He of course only joined from Barcelona last summer to replace Matt Doherty.

At £5 million, Spence would represent an affordable, long-term option for Wolves.

The report also claims that Jose Mourinho is a huge admirer of the young defender.

Spurs were monitoring him during the Portuguese’s reign but the report says there is no immediate interest there since Mourinho’s sacking.

Who’s got more chance of signing him?

Rangers will be in the qualification process for next season’s Champions League.

At the very least, they should end up being able to offer Europa League football, and they made the last 16 of this year’s competition.

Wolves are set for a season without Europe, which might tip the balance away from them.

Nuno Espirito Santo has Semedo, while Steven Gerrard has James Taverier so at both clubs, Spence would encounter experienced competition for the right-back spot.

But as we all know, shining in the Premier League can accelerate a player’s progression and reputation far more quickly than shining in Scotland can, so it looks set to be a decent summer battle.

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