Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips.
The 18-year-old defender is highly rated by the English club and they are demanding a fee of around £9.4 million for his services. Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray has previously hailed him as a ‘phenomenal’ talent.
Previously there have been reports that Tottenham are closing in on his capture but it seems that a deal is far from complete.
The Sun on Sunday (30/7; page 59) claims that Tottenham will have to be patient with his pursuit and the defender has a £2 million release clause in his contract which kicks in on Friday. Tottenham will be hoping to sign the defender for a knockdown price this summer and the presence of a release clause in his contract will certainly aid their pursuit.
It is no secret that the north London giants need to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer and Phillips could prove to be a quality long-term investment.
The 18-year-old has the potential to develop into an important first-team player for Tottenham.
If Spurs manage to sign him for the reported £2 million release clause, the move could prove to be a major bargain in the long run.
Spurs conceded 63 goals in the league last season and they will have to tighten up defensively if they want to get back into the top four and compete in the Champions League once again.
Philips is likely to be tempted to join a big club like Tottenham and he will be hoping that the two clubs can agree on a deal soon.
