Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips in a deal worth around £3million. The England youth centre-back has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea.
The 16-year-old has yet to make his first team debut for Rovers but has impressed playing for their Premier League 2 side this season. Phillips' contract at Ewood Park expires next summer and according to the Sun, Spurs are looking to conclude a quick deal to sign the highly rated youngster.
Phillips is 6ft 4ins and excels in aerial duels. He also boasts an impressive turn of pace and has been likened to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk. From a physical standpoint he appears to have the attributes needed to succeed at Premier League level.
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The England Under-17s star has been training with Rovers' first team for some time now. And whilst pitting his skills against the likes of Ben Brererton Diaz and Bradley Dack, he caught the eye of former manager Tony Mobraw, who hailed Phillips’ ability and potential.
"Ash is just a phenomenal young boy," he told Lancs Live. "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."
Its believed that should Spurs sign Phillips that they'll want him to continue his progress with their youth sides before he eventually makes the step up to first team action. The Lilywhites reportedly had bids for his services turned down in January but appear determined to conclude a deal in the summer.
