Middlesbrough are making progress in negotiations to sign Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Ashley Phillips, according to reports, with talks between the two clubs reportedly advancing after previously proving difficult to finalise.
The move would mark another significant piece of business for the Championship promotion hopefuls, who have been active in strengthening their squad this summer following their play-off final heartbreak against Hull City last season. Phillips would become Middlesbrough's seventh new arrival of the transfer window if the deal is completed.
The 21-year-old England Under-21 international has already amassed considerable experience in the second tier despite his age, having racked up more than 100 Championship appearances through loan spells away from Tottenham. He spent time on loan at Plymouth Argyle before joining Stoke City, where he has featured prominently over the past two seasons.
Phillips' path to regular first-team football at Tottenham has become increasingly blocked following the club's recent defensive recruitment. The arrivals of centre-backs Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have further reduced his opportunities at senior level, prompting Spurs to explore a permanent departure for the young defender rather than another loan arrangement.
Tottenham originally signed Phillips in 2022 for a fee of around £2million and are hopeful of securing a healthy return on that initial investment should the transfer to Middlesbrough go through.
For Middlesbrough, landing Phillips would represent a shrewd addition as they look to bolster their defensive options in pursuit of Premier League promotion. Kim Hellberg's side have already been busy in the market this summer, most notably completing the signing of striker Will Lankshear from Tottenham last month in a deal that could ultimately be worth up to £20million — a potential club-record fee for the Teesside outfit.
Phillips' expected exit would continue a pattern of academy graduates leaving Tottenham this summer as the north London club looks to cash in on players who are not being given a realistic pathway to regular first-team involvement. Alongside Lankshear, both Alfie Devine and Tynan Thompson have already departed the club this window. Thompson's move to Manchester United could be worth as much as £8million depending on add-ons.
Tottenham have also sanctioned the sale of highly rated centre-back Luka Vuskovic to Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth around £46million, despite the Croatian defender never having made a senior appearance for the first team. The transfer underlines the value Spurs place on their academy prospects even before they have broken into competitive first-team action.
The broader picture suggests a clear strategy at Tottenham this summer: maximise player sales and generate significant transfer income by moving on academy talents who lack a clear route to regular minutes, rather than allowing them to stagnate in the background of the first-team squad.
Should the Phillips deal be finalised, it would represent yet another example of Middlesbrough's aggressive recruitment approach as they aim to avoid the disappointment of last season's play-off final defeat and secure a return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.