Ashley Phillips of Blackburn Rovers is about to sign a deal, but despite beating Chelsea and Manchester United to the summer transfer, Tottenham will walk away empty-handed, according to a report.
In the Championship, the 17-year-old centre-half quickly establishes a name for himself. Blackburn’s rising star is already a commanding 6 feet 3 inches tall, and Jon Dahl Tomasson, the manager of the Rovers, has given him four starts despite his youth.
Previously, Tony Mowbray, Phillips’ former manager, called him “phenomenal.” That appeared to be the consensus among three of the Premier League’s top players.
In fact, the Daily Mail claimed in August that Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United were all keeping an eye on his situation.
Spurs were reportedly interested in the player because sporting director Fabio Paratici was present at the August 17 match between Blackburn and Reading.
There is only one year left on Phillips’ current contract, and a £3 million bid was rumoured to be in the works.
Later reports, however, urged caution and stated that Phillips might still sign an extension with Ewood Park.
The deadline for transfers passed with Phillips still working for Blackburn. However, the Championship team will continue to be exposed until a new contract is signed, particularly in the January transfer window.