Middlesbrough FC and Tottenham Hotspur talks over ex-Stoke City loan star Ashley Phillips 'progressing'
The latest on Middlesbrough’s reported pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips
Talks between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur over defender Ashley Phillips are said to be progressing.
The 21-year-old has spent the last three years on the books in North London, having been lured to the Premier League from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in 2023.
Opportunities have proven limited and he has had to find regular football out on loan, spending time with Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City.
He has spent each of the last two campaigns with the latter, establishing himself as one of the second tier’s most revered centre-backs.
Middlesbrough talks ‘progressing’
Middlesbrough have been strongly linked with the England Under-21s international, with reports having suggested they are eyeing a permanent deal.
TEAMtalk have claimed talks over a move are progressing, with Phillips seemingly edging closer to a fresh start at the Riverside.
Initial talks are thought to have centred around a loan deal, although it is a permanent arrangement now supposedly on the table.
He is said to be valued at around £12m, which would be a significant outlay for Championship promotion hopefuls.
However, Phillips is widely believed to have a high ceiling and could send his value skyrocketing if he helps Middlesbrough seal promotion to the Premier League.
Potential Tottenham Hotspur reunion on the cards
A move to the Riverside would reunite Phillips with his former Spurs teammate Will Lankshear, who has already made a permanent move to North Yorkshire.
The forward is believed to have made the switch for an initial £8m fee as part of a deal containing add-ons.
Middlesbrough are thought to have a strong working relationship with Spurs and the report has even suggested there have been discussions regarding loan deals for other Tottenham fringe players.