MIDDLESBROUGH have received a flurry of late offers for Djed Spence ahead of this evening's 11pm transfer deadline.

Leicester, Southampton and Nottingham Forest are also understood to have been in touch with Boro officials in the last few hours to signal their interest in signing the full-back.

Boro have been aware of interest in Spence throughout the window, but the late approaches have significantly increased the likelihood of the 21-year-old leaving before the transfer window closes.

An initial loan deal is currently regarded as the most likely scenario, although at least one of Spence's suitors is pushing for a clause that would enable them to sign him permanently next summer.

While the transfer window closes at 11pm, clubs can register a deal sheet that would give them another two hours in which to complete a transfer.