Neil Warnock responds to Tottenham and West Ham reports while discussing Middlesbrough's transfer needs

Spence, 19, has impressed for the Teessiders since making his Championship debut back in December, leading to reports that several top-flight clubs are interested in the teenager.

Tottenham, West Ham and Brighton have all been linked with Spence this week, while Warnock was quick to praise the defender following his recent performance at Millwall.

Even so, Warnock still thinks the youngster has a lot to learn before being exposed to the challenges of Premier League football.

When quizzed on this week’s rumours about Spence, Warnock replied: “I think that talk is probably coming from his agent to be honest. I think he'd be silly if he went now.

“I remember having a chat with Nathaniel Clyne at Palace. Wolves wanted him, who were in the Premier League at that stage.

“I said to him you're better off having another season and getting some games and experience under your belt. Djed is like that.

“And no disrespect to him, I don't think he's ready to go straight into a Premier League team.”

Spence has been a regular starter for Boro since December but has still made just 20 league appearances for Boro.

And Warnock thinks the teenager will develop best by playing regularly in the Championship, starting with Saturday’s test against pacey Cardiff wingers Junior Hoilett and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

“He needs more games under his belt,” added Warnock when discussing Spence during Friday’s press conference. “Coming up against people like tomorrow, the wide lads, Hoilett and Mendez-Laing, they're difficult players.

“By playing against people like that, that will give him the experience that he needs.”

Despite uncertainty over his own future, Warnock has held discussions with Boro’s recruitment team in recent weeks.

Potential signings have been discussed yet there is a realisation players might have to be sold to bring bodies in.

When asked where he feels Boro need to strengthen, Warnock said: “I think down the spine of the team really, I think we need five or six players to supplement the squad there is, right down the spine.

“It’s getting the right value for money and getting the right players in really. We might have to do a bit of getting some money in at the same time if we are going to spend money.

“That’s what managers are all about, trying to balance the books at the same time as getting the right players.”

Even so, Warnock doesn’t expect there to be much money flying about in the Championship next season, especially due to the impacts of the coronavirus.

“I think a lot of clubs, if they don’t get promoted, there will be a lot of cuts made in the Championship,” said Warnock.

“Some of the wage bills that I’ve been told about are just not sustainable, not in the Championship.

“I think it will be a big summer for a lot of clubs this year.”

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