Tottenham face a major decision at right-back following Djed Spence’s permanent departure for Inter Milan, and Crystal Palace’s Daniel Munoz could be an answer.

Spence completed a move to the Serie A giants in a deal reportedly worth around £30 million, bringing an end to his eventful four-year stay in north London, with Spurs believed to have secured a 10 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

The 26-year-old initially struggled to establish himself after arriving from Middlesbrough in 2022. Loan spells with Rennes, Leeds and Genoa followed, but he eventually forced his way into Tottenham’s plans and became an England international.

Spence’s versatility made him particularly useful. He was capable of operating on either side of the defence and provided competition for Pedro Porro, as well as cover on the left.

Djed Spence’s Tottenham career by numbers

Season

Premier League

Europe

FA Cup

League Cup

Other

Total apps

Goals

Assists

Yellow cards

Second-yellow reds

Straight reds

Minutes

2022/23

4

0

1

1

0

6

0

0

0

0

0

43

2023/24

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2024/25

25

4

2

4

0

35

2

3

2

1

0

2,419

2025/26

30

10

1

2

1

44

0

0

5

0

0

3,025

Tottenham total

59

14

4

7

1

85

2

3

7

1

0

5,487

However, his impressive performances for England at the 2026 World Cup strengthened his reputation and helped Tottenham secure a healthy return on a player who had once appeared unlikely to have a long-term future at the club.

Porro remains Roberto De Zerbi’s leading option on the right, with the Spaniard playing an important part in his country’s World Cup triumph.

However, selling Spence has left the squad looking slightly light in that area. Archie Gray can fill in at right-back, but the youngster’s future is widely expected to lie in midfield.

archie-gray-tottenham

Tottenham must therefore decide whether to trust Porro and Gray or use some of the Spence money on another specialist back-up defender.

That situation may now have pushed Tottenham towards another proven Premier League performer.

Tottenham ask Crystal Palace about signing Daniel Muñoz

daniel-munoz-crystal-palace

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra reports that Spurs have asked about the conditions required to sign Palace defender Muñoz.

Palace are said to be prepared to consider offers worth around £25 million, with Nottingham Forest also reportedly among the clubs to make enquiries, meaning Tottenham could face strong domestic competition.

Muñoz would represent a very different investment from many of the younger players Spurs have previously targeted, but they’ve already shown this window that the club are now ready to target more senior stars.

The Colombian is now 30, but he could make an immediate impact as a proven alternative to Porro on the right.

The right wing-back recorded five goals and seven assists across 46 club appearances last season, and his energy, aggression and willingness to attack the penalty area have made him one of Palace’s most dangerous outlets.

Those qualities could appeal to De Zerbi, particularly if he wants his full-backs to play high up the pitch.

roberto-de-zerbi-tottenham REUTERS/Hollie Adams

At this stage, Tottenham’s interest appears to be limited to an enquiry, and there is no indication that an offer has been submitted or there being serious talks ongoing.

Nevertheless, Spence’s departure has created an opening, and if Palace are genuinely willing to sell, Muñoz could provide the ready-made solution Spurs suddenly need.