Middlesbrough step up talks to sign Spurs centre-back Ashley Phillips

Middlesbrough in advanced talks to sign Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips

Middlesbrough are closing in on another major signing as negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over defender Ashley Phillips continue to gather pace.

After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Boro have stepped up their recruitment in a bid to mount another strong Championship challenge under Kim Hellberg.

The club have already made significant progress on a permanent deal for Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, with the Czech shot-stopper expected to complete his move soon in a deal that could be worth up to £14 million.

Attention has now turned to Phillips, with transfer insider Pete O’Rourke reporting that Middlesbrough are in advanced negotiations with Tottenham over a permanent move for the England youth international.

Interest in the 21-year-old first emerged earlier this summer, with reports suggesting Spurs value the centre-back at around £12 million.

Middlesbrough have already strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Myles Peart-Harris, Kyle Joseph, Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten and Will Lankshear, and the addition of Phillips would represent another statement signing.

The defender joined Tottenham from Blackburn Rovers in 2023 but has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the North London club. Instead, he has gained valuable Championship experience during loan spells with Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City, where he established himself as one of the division’s promising young defenders.

Should negotiations reach a successful conclusion, Phillips would add further quality and depth to Middlesbrough’s back line as the club continues an ambitious summer rebuild.