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The latest on Middlesbrough’s reported pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips

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Talks between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur over defender Ashley Phillips are said to be progressing.

The 21-year-old has spent the last three years on the books in North London, having been lured to the Premier League from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in 2023.

Opportunities have proven limited and he has had to find regular football out on loan, spending time with Plymouth Argyle and Stoke City.

He has spent each of the last two campaigns with the latter, establishing himself as one of the second tier’s most revered centre-backs.

Middlesbrough talks ‘progressing’

Middlesbrough have been strongly linked with the England Under-21s international, with reports having suggested they are eyeing a permanent deal.

TEAMtalk have claimed talks over a move are progressing, with Phillips seemingly edging closer to a fresh start at the Riverside.

Initial talks are thought to have centred around a loan deal, although it is a permanent arrangement now supposedly on the table.

He is said to be valued at around £12m, which would be a significant outlay for Championship promotion hopefuls.

However, Phillips is widely believed to have a high ceiling and could send his value skyrocketing if he helps Middlesbrough seal promotion to the Premier League.

Potential Tottenham Hotspur reunion on the cards

A move to the Riverside would reunite Phillips with his former Spurs teammate Will Lankshear, who has already made a permanent move to North Yorkshire.

The forward is believed to have made the switch for an initial £8m fee as part of a deal containing add-ons.

Middlesbrough are thought to have a strong working relationship with Spurs and the report has even suggested there have been discussions regarding loan deals for other Tottenham fringe players.

MAX Wöber has left Leeds United by mutual consent after a fraught four-and-a-half year spell.

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The Austrian international - whose deal was due to expire next summer - has now linked up with Bundesliga outfit Schalke on a free transfer.

Wöber, 28, joined Leeds on a four-and-a-half year contract from Red Bull Salzburg in the 2022-23 winter window in a £10m deal.

The defender triggered an exit clause following relegation at the end of that season and spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at German top-flight side Borussia Monchengladbach before returning to the United fold.

Wöber struggled with injury in 2024-25, twice undergoing knee surgery and made just nine appearances in all competitions for Leeds.

Last summer, Wöber returned to Germany after joining Werder Bremen on loan for the 2025-26 campaign, but made just three appearances in an injury-hit campaign.

Middlesbrough are turning their attentions towards a loan deal to bring Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips after completing the signing of his Spurs' team-mate Will Lankshear.

The 21-year-old, Boro's number one attacking target, has joined for an initial £8million, although the package is thought to be worth £20m including potential add-ons.

Wolves, Southampton and Sporting CP are all understood to have had offers turned down for Lankshear already this summer.

Lankshear, who moved to Spurs from Sheffield United's academy in 2022, has signed a five-year deal.

The striker, who scored 12 times during a productive loan spell at Oxford United last term, said: "Middlesbrough is such a massive club over the years; I deem it to be a Premier League club. I can’t wait to get started and be part of the journey, and get this club back where it belongs."

Middlesbrough have been credited with interest in signing another prospect from Tottenham Hotspur

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Middlesbrough are reportedly making a move to sign England Under-21s defender Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur.

There has already been business conducted between Boro and Spurs, who came to an agreement over forward Will Lankshear earlier today (July 22). The frontman has left North London for North Yorkshire, moving for an intial £8m fee.

It appears Phillips could be reunited with Lankshear at the Riverside, as he is said to be in the sights of the ambitious Championship club.

Middlesbrough credited with interest in another Tottenham Hotspur prospect

According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, Middlesbrough are looking to sign the centre-back from his Premier League employers on a permanent basis.

It has been suggested it will take a fee of £10m or more to land Phillips, who has spent each of the last two seasons on loan at Stoke City.

The Potters would reportedly love have Phillips back, although Middlesbrough appear to have a stronger chance of securing his signature.

Ashley Phillips’ profile

Phillips has been on the books at Spurs since 2023, when he was lured from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers. He was first loaned out to Plymouth Argyle in 2024 before back-to-back moves to Stoke were sanctioned.

The signing of Phillips would be a major statement of intent by Middlesbrough, who are looking to bounce back from their Championship play-off final loss to Hull City in style.

Back in 2021, Phillips’ then Blackburn-boss told LancsLive: “He's 6ft 4in, he's fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he's composed. Ash is just a phenomenal young boy. If you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute.

“He is just a boy but he's got some amazing attributes. We've got high hopes that he can progress quickly.”

MIDDLESBROUGH are close to completing the signing of Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear for an initial £8million.

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Lankshear, who moved to Spurs from Sheffield United's academy in 2022, started a medical on Tuesday, which was being completed as The Yorkshire Post went to press.

The 21-year-old, who excelled on loan at Oxford United last term, had already agreed personal terms. The overall package is said to be worth £20m, including £12m in potential add-ons.

Spurs have included a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the deal along with matching rights on any future accepted bids.

So far this summer, Boro have sold Hayden Hackney for a significant fee to Everton, while they will also benefit from a sell-on clause when Morgan Rogers' expected £117m move from Aston Villa to Chelsea goes through.

But while both deals will boost Boro's coffers, neither does it constitute a transfer 'war chest'.

The Hackney deal sees Boro receive an initial £16.5m - to be paid in three instalments over a two-year period - with a further £9.5m of potential add-ons.

Boro were entitled to 20 per cent of any profit on the deal which saw Rogers head to Villa for £16.5m in February 2024, although Manchester City pocketed a fifth of that total as part of a previous sell-on arrangement.

City will also receive 20 per cent of any profit Boro receive following Rogers' move to Chelsea.

With Villa set for a profit of around £100.5m, Boro's cut is set to be £20.1m, but factoring in City's percentage means that the Teessiders are likely to receive just over £16m - with the deal structured into four instalments over the next three years.

The latest on Middlesbrough’s pursuit of a young Tottenham Hotspur forward

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Middlesbrough have reportedly agreed a deal to sign forward Will Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Oxford United, contributing 11 goals to an ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation from the Championship.

Lankshear returned to his parent club for pre-season preparations but recent reports suggested Middlesbrough were working on a permanent deal for him.

Middlesbrough ‘agree deal’

Sky Sports have now claimed a deal is in place, with Middlesbrough set to pay an initial fee of £10m for the England youth international.

They could reportedly end up paying £20m, with the package including potential bonuses. There is also said to be a 20 per cent sell-on clause, entitling Spurs to a chunk of any future fee Middlesbrough recieve for Lankshear.

The Premier League will also have matching rights on any bids lodged by other clubs, the report has claimed. Lankshear is believed to be due for a medical at Middlesbrough today (July 21).

Will Lankshear’s career to date

The forward spent time in Arsenal’s academy before moving north to link up with Sheffield United’s academy.

His exploits at youth level for the Blades caught the eye of Spurs, who signed the marksman in 2022. He has since made six appearances at senior level for the North London club, scoring once, and has spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Oxford.

In April, his former Oxford boss Matt Bloomfield told talkSPORT: “The answer to the first question is I've found him an absolute credit to his family, a credit to himself, a credit to his craft because he works so hard every day at his craft, his finishing, his hold-up play.

“Where can he go in the game? If he can stay clear of injury and keep that focus that he has, I think he can go to the top because his finishing is top draw.

“It's his focus, his single-mindedness to be the best he can possibly be, that is so admirable. And I wish him every success.”

Middlesbrough have reportedly made a breakthrough in their efforts to sign a Tottenham Hotspur prodigy

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Middlesbrough are reportedly in advanced talks over a permanent deal for Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Will Lankshear.

The 21-year-old forward, formerly of Sheffield United’s academy, has been unable to establish himself at first-team level in North London.

He did, however, impress over the course of a season-long loan spell at Oxford United last term. The campaign ended in relegation for the U’s, but Lankshear managed 11 goals across his 44 Championship outings.

Middlesbrough were linked with the England youth international in January, but Lankshear remained at the Kassam Stadium.

Middlesbrough ‘in advanced talks’ over Will Lankshear deal

He is now back at parent club Tottenham but according to Teesside Live, Middlesbrough are working on a deal to sign him on a permanent basis.

The North Yorkshire outfit are said to be close to beating a host of rivals to the signing of the frontman, who is renowned for his composure in front of goal.

Lankshear would arguably be a statement addition to Kim Hellberg’s squad, which is being prepared for another promotion tilt.

Matt Bloomfield’s praise for Middlesbrough target

In April, Lankshear’s former Oxford boss Matt Bloomfield described the marksman as a player capable of reaching “the top”.

He told talkSPORT: “The answer to the first question is I've found him an absolute credit to his family, a credit to himself, a credit to his craft because he works so hard every day at his craft, his finishing, his hold-up play.

“Where can he go in the game? If he can stay clear of injury and keep that focus that he has, I think he can go to the top because his finishing is top draw.

“It's his focus, his single-mindedness to be the best he can possibly be, that is so admirable. And I wish him every success.”

Sheffield United have added a former Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur defender to their squad

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Sheffield United have added a wealth of experience to their ranks with the signing of free agent defender Matt Doherty.

The 34-year-old right-back is a familiar face to fans of Premier League football, having spent large portions of his career in England’s top flight.

A 53-cap Republic of Ireland international, he has made 190 appearances in the division Sheffield United are trying to reach.

Sheffield United seal Matt Doherty option

He has penned a one-year deal at Bramall Lane after leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers and there is a 12-month extension option.

Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “There's no doubting we are getting a player here who knows what it takes to be successful. You've got to be a seriously good player to have played as many times as he has for the likes of Wolves, Spurs and Atletico Madrid.

“Matt is a top pro on and off the pitch; he still has a real desire to achieve things in his career, and he wants to do that here.

“He'll drive those standards we are looking for and bring the best out of others in the squad. I've talked about culture-carriers a lot over the years, and that's what I see in Matt.”

Matt Doherty’s career path

Doherty started his senior career at Wolves and spent a decade in their senior ranks, playing a key role in their rise from League One to the Premier League.

He completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur in August 2020, sealing the switch for a reported fee of £13.4m.

His contract was terminated after 71 outings in January 2023 and a brief spell in Spain with Atletico Madrid followed.

Wolves signed him for a second time later that year and he took his appearance tally for the Midlands club to 389 after a further three years at Molineux.

Doherty was unable to keep the club afloat in the Premier League last term and left upon the expiry of his contract last month. He appears set to do battle with Femi Seriki for minutes in the right-back slot at Bramall Lane.

Leeds United’s reported stance on Karl Darlow has been outlined amid ‘interest’ from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur

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Leeds United are confident Karl Darlow will commit his future to the club, a report has claimed.

The 35-year-old ended last season as Daniel Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper having dislodged £15.6m signing Lucas Perri in January.

Darlow was a safe pair of hands as Leeds won their battle against relegation from the Premier League, winning plaudits from Farke, fans and pundits alike.

His contract is due to expire next week and there has been talk of interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds United ‘confident’ over Karl Darlow

However, according to TEAMtalk, Leeds are confident Darlow will snub interest from elsewhere and remain at Elland Road.

A two-year deal, with improved terms, is thought to have been offered to the Wales international following his stellar end to the campaign.

While there is not believed to be a promise of regular football, Leeds are seemingly hopeful of retaining the former Hull City loanee.

If Leeds keep Darlow and get another goalkeeper in, there will be serious doubts over the future of Lucas Perri. The Brazilian has been unable to win his spot back from Darlow, finding himself limited to cup outings.

Elsewhere in the goalkeeping department at Elland Road, Illan Meslier has been freed to seek pastures new as a free agent and reports have indicated Alex Cairns will pen a new deal.

Expert’s view on Karl Darlow

Last month, Leeds legend Tony Dorigo told The Yorkshire Post he felt Darlow was deserving of a new Whites contract.

He said: “I think he’s been really solid for us. It's clear the defenders feel confident in him and vice versa, I think that sort of ‘keeper is always valuable.

“Whether it's as number one or two, who knows, that's up to the manager, but I think as a character and with what he's done, he's been very impressive.”

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Leeds United will find it very difficult to win the race to sign outgoing Borussia Dortmund playmaker Julian Brandt, a report has claimed.

The 30-year-old is leaving Dortmund after seven years at the club, moving on with a tally of 57 goals and 70 assists in 307 appearances.

Leeds have been credited with interest in an ambitious move for the attacking midfielder, who would arguably be a major coup for the West Yorkshire club.

He has also been linked with Leeds’ Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Julian Brandt claim emerges

According to Football Insider, sources have indicated it will be tough for Leeds to secure Brandt’s signature this summer.

Roma and Atletico Madrid are said to be leading the race to sign the 48-cap Germany international, described as being capable of putting a ‘big deal’ on the table.

The aforementioned overseas clubs can also offer European football, which Leeds cannot having finished 14th in the Premier League table.

Leeds United in the transfer market

Brandt may not be Elland Road-bound, but Wales international Harry Wilson appears to be. The 29-year-old is due to see his Fulham deal expire next week and reports have indicated he is heading to West Yorkshire.

The in-demand winger, formerly of Liverpool, Hull City and Derby County, is said to have been offered a long-term contract and a pay rise to tempt him over to LS11.

The capture of Wilson would soften the blow of missing out on Brandt, who will undoubtedly have an array of options to choose from.

Speculation regarding other targets, meanwhile, continues to circulate. Leeds have been linked with the likes of Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi andSouthampton midfielder Shea Charles.

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa mooted as competitors for signature of Leeds United-linked Julian Brandt

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Leeds United could face reportedly competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa for the signature of Julian Brandt.

The 30-year-old is seeking pastures new as a free agent with his Borussia Dortmund contract set to officially expire at the end of the month.

Leeds have been credited with interest in an ambitious move for the attacking midfielder, who made over 300 appearances across seven seasons at Dortmund.

Premier League ‘interest’ in Julian Brandt

According to TEAMtalk, Brandt has also attracted interest from Tottenham, Newcastle and Villa. Arsenal are also said to have looked at Brandt, although he is not thought to be keen on a bit-part role.

He could also head abroad, with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Italian heavyweights Roma said to be on his trail.

The former have been described as frontrunners for his signature, suggesting Leeds could have quite the battle on their hands.

If Brandt did sign on the dotted line at Elland Road, he would be widely lauded as a huge coup for the Whites. He is a player with a wealth of Champions League experience and one with an impressive 48 Germany caps on his CV.

Brandt would also become the third Germany-capped player in the Leeds ranks, joining midfielder Anton Stach and forward Lukas Nmecha.

Julian Brandt departing Borussia Dortmund

In March, regarding Brandt, Dortmund director Lars Ricken told Sky Germany: “After open talks, we agreed that the contract that is set to expire would not be renewed.

“[He has] played a few hundred games for Borussia Dortmund. I think we can only feel gratitude towards him. He spent seven years with us and was sometimes viewed critically.

“Today he set up another goal. I always appreciated his numbers. He’ll turn 30 in a few weeks, and we can look to move in a slightly new direction - so it can also be an opportunity for both sides."

Leeds have also been linked with Wales international winger Harry Wilson, who is on the verge of leaving Fulham as an unattached player.