Tottenham transfer news: Major defensive coup at Man Utd and Chelsea’s expense poised to unravel

A deal involving Blackburn Rovers sensation Ashley Phillips is close, though despite getting the jump on Man Utd and Chelsea in the summer, Tottenham will remain empty-handed, per a report.

The 17-year-old centre-half is quickly making a name for himself in the Championship. The Blackburn starlet already stands at an imposing 6ft 3in tall and despite his tender age, has already been entrusted with four starts by Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Phillips was previously described as “phenomenal” by former manager Tony Mowbray. Seemingly, that was a view shared by three of the Premier League’s biggest hitters.

Indeed, the Daily Mail reported Tottenham, Chelsea and Man Utd were all monitoring his situation in August.

Spurs were actively pursuing the player amid claims sporting director Fabio Paratici was in attendance for Blackburn’s clash with Reading on August 17.

Phillips’ current deal only has a year left to run and a £3m bid was speculated to be in the works.

However, subsequent reports urged caution, instead claiming Phillips may yet sign an extension at Ewood Park.

The transfer deadline came and went with Phillips remaining at Blackburn. However, until a new deal is signed, the Championship side will remain vulnerable, especially in the January window.

Ashley Phillips ready to sign new deal?

But according to Sunday’s edition of the Sun, a new deal is on the horizon and it’ll result in Phillips penning fresh terms with Blackburn.

Of course, a new contract won’t necessarily ensure Phillips remains at Blackburn for the long term.

However, it would remove the prospect of Blackburn being forced into accepting a cut-price fee for their starlet.

It’d also mean the possibility of another club signing him to a pre-contract agreement when his deal whittles down to six months in January would be removed.

For now at least, it looks like Phillips will continue his development at Blackburn where his chances of regular gametime are far higher.

Blackburn stay best for all involved

At only 17, the most important thing in Phillips’ career right now is regular minutes.

A move to Tottenham would likely result in a spell with the club’s Under-23s. Either that, or he’d be signed and immediately loaned back out as Spurs did with Destiny Udogie.

However, a new deal at Ewood Park wouldn’t close the door on a Premier League move entirely.

Suitors would still be free to pursue a deal as and when they please and given he’ll continue to feature in the first-team at Blackburn, they’ll be able to build up a clearer picture of whether a transfer is worth pursuing.

If Phillips does sign a new deal with Rovers, few should be surprised if we him in the top flight within a few years anyway.