Danny Murphy believes Antonio Conte should give Djed Spence a chance at Tottenham before turning to alternatives in the transfer market.
The England U21 international signed for Spurs from Middlesbrough in the summer for a fee of £12.5m which could eventually rise to £20m after an eye-catching campaign in the Championship. However, Spence is yet to start a competitive match under Conte and has just three 89th minute substitute appearances in the Premier League to his name.
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Inter Milan and Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries but BBC pundit and former Spurs midfielder Murphy does not believe his old side should make that move.
READ MORE: Djed Spence, missing players and 5 things we learned from Tottenham's friendly vs Peterborough
"Denzel Dumfries won’t be that much of a great signing. I think he is a good player, but is he better than what they've got? I don't think he's that much better. Tottenham spent £20million on Djed Spence and he has not been given a game yet. He possesses all the qualities Dumfries has got, why not give him a go?
"Spending more money does seem a bit strange for the Spurs at this point," Murphy said to Lord Ping. "Football doesn't always go down the logical path in terms of signing."
Spurs have also been linked with signing Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie but Murphy thinks his USA team-mate and Valencia starlet Yunus Musah would be a better signing.
"As for McKennie, he is a good player. I think Musah is better. I think he would be a wonderful signing for Chelsea or Spurs," said Murphy. "He’s got really good attributes on the ball. He is strong and fit. I think if you're looking at not having to spend as much he is a wonderful talent.
"I don't think he's not going to score as many goals as someone like Bellingham. At 19 his composure in the games and his strength is really good. McKennie is not bad, but I don't think he would get a shot in the midfield over Bentancur and Hojbjerg, but I think Musah will challenge. I think Musa would be the more sensible one."
READ NEXT:
Dejan Kulusevski hints at new Conte Tottenham changes as Djed Spence passes first audition
Tottenham injury updates and return dates for nine players as Conte awaits Richarlison results
- Djed Spence and the five things Antonio Conte will have learned from Tottenham's Motherwell game
Dane Scarlett display shows why Antonio Conte is excited about his future but work still remains
Tottenham's under the radar summer signing impressing and training with Conte's first team
