Tottenham have loaned young forward Mason Melia to Lincoln City while centre-back Ashley Phillips is close to departing on a permanent transfer
Lincoln City sporting director Jez George has detailed the extraordinary lengths the Championship newcomers went to land Tottenham academy forward Mason Melia.
Melia, a £1.6million arrival from St Patrick's Athletic, is widely regarded as the Republic of Ireland's best prodigy. He is a ruthless finisher and prolific goalscorer and Lincoln's dogged work on the loan first started way back at the start of the year.
That's because upwards of 30 clubs pitched to Melia, Spurs and his reps, meaning Lincoln had to showcase precisely why they considered themselves the best landing spot for the forward, who is expected to receive regular minutes at Sincil Bank.
George said: “Mason is a player that we knew about in the League of Ireland, playing under Stephen Kenny at Pats, and we first enquired to Tottenham about him in January.
"It has been well documented in the press that we beat up to 30 other clubs for his signature, and he is an exceptional talent who we feel can make a big impact for us in the Championship.
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“He shows maturity beyond his years, physically and mentally, displaying all the traits we value out of possession, as well as moments of magic in the final third and a real instinct to score goals.
"This loan was delayed because Mason was selected for Tottenham’s tour of Australia and he played 25 minutes against Sydney last week, so he is raring to go. I would also like to thank his agents and the staff at Tottenham for trusting us with the next stage of Mason’s development.”
Meanwhile, Ashley Phillips is poised to depart as a permanent switch to Middlesbrough nears completion. The central defender impressed while on loan at Stoke City last season and now he looks set to join Boro in a deal worth an initial £7million.
However, it's understood there are numerous add-ons, potentially bonuses worth up to £13m, that could eventually take the overall package to around £20m.
Spurs are also understood to have secured matching rights and a sell-on clause worth 20 per cent. Phillips did not travel on Spurs' pre-season tour and has been weighing up his options following three loans: two with Stoke City and one with Plymouth Argyle.
He joined Tottenham in September 2023 from Blackburn Rovers in an agreement worth up to £3m, meaning Spurs have made significant profit.