Middlesbrough appear to have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of a Tottenham Hotspur defender
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Middlesbrough have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur for an initial fee of £7m.
The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with Boro, who are putting together an exciting squad ahead of their return to Championship action.
A product of the Blackburn Rovers youth system, Phillips was lured to North London back in the summer of 2023. He has since found opportunties limited in North London and been loaned out on three occasions - once to Plymouth Argyle and twice to Stoke City.
Middlesbrough ‘agree’ deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender
According to the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough have seen off competition from elsewhere to strike a deal for the centre-back.
Middlesbrough are said to be paying an initial fee of £7m, with a number of potential add-ons included in the agreement. Sky Sports have claimed the total fee could rise to £20m.
Spurs are also thought to have inserted a sell-on clause into the defender’s deal, entitling the Premier League club to a slice of any future fee Middlesbrough receive for Phillips.
The report has claimed personal terms are not expected to be a problem and that a long-term deal has been teed up for the England youth international.
Middlesbrough’s summer of ambition
Phillips now looks set to be reunited with his former Tottenham teammate Will Lankshear, who penned a permanent deal at the Riverside last month.
He appears likely to arrive in North Yorkshire along with Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who is believed to be closing in on a permanent switch.
The pair would take Middlesbrough’s senior summer signing count to eight following the captures of Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, Myles Peart-Harris, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kyle Joseph and Lankshear.
Many will fancy Kim Hellberg’s side for a promotion tilt and their Championship campaign is due to kick off against Lincoln City on August 15.