Tottenham will begin their Premier League campaign on August 13 at Brentford
According to rumours, Tottenham are likely to complete the signing of highly regarded Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips by the end of the week. Spurs appeared to be on track to complete the trade in July before the Championship club adjusted their demands at the last minute.
Off the pitch, Blackburn are in significant financial problems and have had their budget reduced by owners V H Group.
Phillips even traveled south from Lancashire to London for medical exams before the Rovers intervened late.
The transfer, though, is again back on pace, according to The Evening Standard.
According to the source, a deal is nearing completion, with Phillips expected to become Tottenham’s sixth summer signing.
However, the 18-year-old starlet is considered to be a long-term acquisition rather than an immediate addition to the first-team plans for the upcoming Premier League season.
Phillips made eight Championship appearances for Rovers last season and is regarded as a youngster with a bright future.
Following a switch of international allegiance, he has represented Wales U16s and England at U17, U18, and U19 levels.
Tottenham were expected to pay about £5 million for the signing, with £2 million coming from add-ons.
However, thanks to a release clause that became active in Phillips‘ Rovers contract late last week, the tables have flipped.
Spurs are now expected to pay only £2 million, depriving Blackburn of much-needed funds.
Phillips is eager to complete the transfer and could spend time on loan in the Football League again next season.
Blackburn remains hopeful that they will be eligible for more incentive payments.
It’s very likely that the deal will contain add-ons for prospective England senior debuts and Tottenham first-team outings.
Spurs could end up paying roughly £6.5 million for the teenage defender.
Ange Postecoglou is still looking for at least one more senior center-back ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford on Saturday.
Tosin Adarabioyo of Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Wolfsburg’s Micky Van de Ven, remain targets.
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