Boro in talks to tie down Spence

Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate says the club are in negotiations with defender Djed Spence over a new contract.

The 19-year-old rightback burst onto the scene last month after breaking into the senior side and has impressed ever since.

"It's first class for Djed,” said Woodgate following Boro’s 2-2 draw with Derby at the Riverside.

“He's taken his opportunity and he's got a bright future, but he needs to keep improving and listen to the right people who give him advice and keep on pushing because you don't want to stay at that one level.

“You need to keep improving to get to the pinnacle to maximise your career."

Spence’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed either, after the full-back earned the Championship Young Player of the Month award for December.

Premier League side Tottenham are also reportedly tracking Spence, yet talks are under way regarding a new deal at the Riverside.

"It's all speculation. We're in negotiations,” said Woodgate when asked about Spence’s contract situation.

Several other Boro players have been linked with moves away from the Riverside this month, yet Woodgate says recent reports don’t concern him.

"Everyone gets linked don't they? Agents can be up to different things. Marvin Johnson was linked to Bournemouth the other week, Britt (Assombalonga) has been linked with Villa, Darren's been linked with West Ham, (Daniel) Ayala has been linked with a few teams.

When asked about Randolph, who is still yet to complete his medical at West Ham, Woodgate said: "I'm not sure at the moment. He's undergoing a medical still, probably the longest medical in history. If it gets done, it gets done, if it doesn't, it doesn't.

So, if Randolph’s move does go through, would Woodgate be able to reinvest the funds?

“I don't want to blow money just for the sake of blowing money,” replied the Boro boss.

“Let's hope, if there is money there to be spent, it's the right person we bring into the club."