Transfer News: Chelsea in great position to land Blackburn Rovers starlet Ashley Phillips
According to The Sun, Chelsea and Manchester United are in the lead to secure the signing of 16-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips.
The teenager has become a sensation and is also being monitored by fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. Phillips possesses a great physical presence and strength at such a young age. He could be a useful long-term acquisition for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
The teenage centre-back could develop further at an elite club like Chelsea. The Blues have built a great system of developing young players over the years. The likes of Mason Mount who has become an integral part of this team came through the ranks at the West London club.
Trevoh Chalobah is another example of a youngster who has been nurtured by the club for years now and has managed to make it into the first team this season. The 22-year-old defender has made 14 appearances in the PL for the Blues so far during which time he has scored two goals.
Ashley Phillips, Chelsea, and their defensive issues
Thomas Tuchel plays a fluid style of football that is built on a solid defensive base. He prefers a three-man defence and has pushed the club in the right direction ever since his arrival. A good defensive partnership is a key to his current footballing identity.
Whilst players like Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have thrived under the German manager there seems to be an air of uncertainty looming around their long-term future at Chelsea. Should any of the duo be prised away from Stamford Bridge, the London-based club could be tempted to make a move for suitable replacements in the near future.
Ashley Phillips may not go straight into the first-team action but could develop well within the club. The Blues could help nurture and create a suitable environment for him to take his football to the next level. A move to a top club like Chelsea can seem like a dream come true for any young budding footballer. That being said, Phillips is still in the nascent stages of his career and his future will have to be navigated accordingly.
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The 16-year-old has shown immense potential with the Rovers and their boss Tony Mowbray speaks highly of the teenager. The Blues seem to be in pole position to land Phillips at the moment but only the future can tell if a move should transpire between Chelsea and the Riversiders.