TOTTENHAM are emerging as favourites to sign Blackburn’s England youth centre-back Ashley Phillips – in a deal worth up to £3million.
The 16-year-old has been a stand-out for the Rovers’ youth sides, impressing particularly in the Premier League 2 this season.
Phillips has been a regular for Blackburn U23s side in the PL2 this season Credit: Rex Manchester United and Chelsea have also been tracking the young defender.
Phillips’ contract expires in 2023, however it is believed Spurs are ready to get the deal done as quickly as possible.
The North London side are looking to get the deal done for around £3m.
Phillips- who is 6ft4in tall – has received plaudits for his dominant PL2 performances, earning himself regular training time with the Blackburn first team.
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Eriksen ‘set to stay at Brentford and SNUB Man Utd and Tottenham interest’ This time training alongside established club stars such as Ben Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack has also caught the eye of former manager Tony Mowbray.
Mowbray said to Lancs Live: “Ash is just a phenomenal young boy.
“If you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute.
“But he is still just a young boy. He needs time, which is why he’s training with the first-team so that he gets confident and used to the level of intensity.”
Spurs’ interest in acquiring a promising centre-back may be a sign of confidence in current manager Antonio Conte, who often operates with three central defenders.
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With Conte squads built on strong foundations at the back, acquiring young stars who have already drawn comparisons to Virgil van Dijk could be the sign of very smart business in North London.
On Saturday night, his Spurs side defended resolutely as they earned a point against quadruple-chasing Liverpool at Anfield.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
