Tottenham Hotspur face a battle for the signing of Blackburn Rovers talent Ashley Phillips with Manchester United and Everton now joining the race.
That’s according to The Sun, who claim that Phillips is now a man in demand having impressed for Rovers’ Under-23’s at the age of just 16.
Everton are believed to have joined Tottenham in scouting Phillips ahead of a potential bid to sign the teenager.
However, it’s now considered that Chelsea and Manchester United are leading their Premier League rivals in the race for Phillips.
The Telegraph reported just a matter of days ago that Tottenham were looking to bring Phillips to North London.
Tottenham are looking to recruit for their development ranks having recently targeted the likes of Ollie Tanner and Joshua Ajayi.
Phillips could be another addition to the youth ranks at Tottenham, but they seemingly face a huge battle for his signature.
Chelsea and United love to raid clubs for their young players, and staying in the North West could be appealing to Phillips if United do make a move.
The 16-year-old defender hasn’t yet made his first-team debut but was actually on the bench for Blackburn against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup last month.
Rovers have huge hopes for Phillips, who already has three caps for England’s Under-17 side, playing alongside Tottenham trio Alfie Dorrington, Rio Kyerematen and Thomas Bloxham.
Rovers boss Tony Mowbray has called Phillips a ‘phenomenal’ talent, backing him for a huge future thanks to his complete skillset.
Mowbray noted that the ‘amazing’ Phillips is tall, fast, strong and can play out from the back, believing he is a complete package as a young centre back.
No wonder so many Premier League teams want to sign him.
Tottenham may still hope to win the race, but their pursuit of teenager Phillips has become very complicated.
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