Ashley Phillips is reportedly set to join Tottenham before the end of the transfer window but was given his third senior Blackburn appearance on Wednesday night – and Lancashire Live have handed the teenager a 4/10 rating.
Reports on Tuesday emerged, claiming that Tottenham are set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to his signature. It is believed a move would cost Spurs a total of £3million, given he is now in the final 12 months of his current deal.
An England Under-17 international, Jon Dahl Tomasson handed Phillips his senior debut in the Carabao Cup this season. A 4-0 win over Hartlepool saw Phillips get a start against West Brom on the weekend, winning 2-1.
He retained his place last night against Paul Ince’s Reading, but Blackburn were hammered 3-0 away. Phillips came off after 93 minutes. Amid his Spurs move, Lancashire Live were critical, saying Shane Long dictated him, giving him 4/10.
“Sadly, looked his age against the street-wise Shane Long. The Irishman caused by both centre-backs countless problems with his constant darts in-behind. Only a young player and he will learn from the experience.”
Phillips set to join Tottenham but handed 4/10 on Wednesday night
At this age, it is all a learning curve for Phillips. A poor performance and an even worse result for a side that will be harboring hopes of a top-six finish in this season’s Championship table. But it is a third senior outing for Phillips.
To be continually considered by Tomasson shows just how highly-rated he is, and how good he is at this young age. If he does join Spurs, Blackburn should request a similar deal to the one Spurs have done for Destiny Udogie.
Indeed, Spurs have paid around £15million initially for Udogie. But he has instantly returned to the Serie A club on loan. Phillips now has the taste of senior football and he should go back to Blackburn to finish the season.
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