Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate reacts as 'great young talent' signs new deal at the Riverside

The 19-year-old defender has impressed since making his Championship debut against Charlton on December 7, and has made 12 appearances in all competitions over the last two months.

Spence was linked with Premier League side Tottenham at the start of January, yet his new deal at the Riverside will run until the summer of 2022.

Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate told the club’s website: “We’re delighted to get Djed tied down for a longer period. He has done exceptionally well since he came into the team. He earned the right, and he knows he has to keep working hard.

“We speak a lot and he knows the standards he has set, the standards we expect, and that he has to keep listening, keep working, and keep improving. Djed is a great young talent.”

Spence isn’t the first player to sign a new contract at Boro this season.

Left-back Hayden Coulson, 21, and midfielder Marcus Tavernier, 20, have both penned new deals in recent weeks, with Boro keen to keep hold of their young talent.

Spence joined Boro from Fulham in 2018 after impressing during a trial period, while other academy players have stepped up to the senior side this campaign.

“It’s important we keep our young talent,” added Woodgate. “These lads have all earned their opportunities and they have taken them. They are the future of this club, and they all understand the importance of working hard and developing themselves as players.”