Tottenham are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Championship wonder-kid Ashley Phillips
According to The Sun (h/t football.london), Tottenham are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips ahead of Chelsea in the summer transfer market. The England youth centre-back has also been linked with moves to Manchester United.
Phillips is just 16 years old and already wanted by some of the big names in the Premier League. He is yet to play for the Rovers’ first team, but given his ability, it could be just a matter of time.
The teenager has recently started training with the first squad and has gained the attention of former Blackburn boss Tony Mobraw. This after he demonstrated his abilities against experienced players like Ben Brereton Diaz and Bradley Dack.
The ex-manager was highly impressed by this lad and told Lancs Live that he has great potential to be fulfilled. The youngster is said to have plenty of attributes needed to succeed as a top-class centre-back.
“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.
Despite the potential, Phillips is still a young man and has much to learn. Spending time with the senior squad should certainly accelerate his development.
“But he is still just a young boy. He needs time, which is why he’s training with the first-team so that he gets confident and used to the level of intensity.”
Is the teenager a priority for Chelsea?
Chelsea are on the lookout for defenders amidst a defensive exodus in the summer. Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta are linked to a move to Spain at the end of the season, leaving Thomas Tuchel shorthanded in defence.
Even with the likes of Rudiger and Azpilicueta, it was clear in our encounter against Wolves last Saturday that Chelsea’s defence is a major problem. Clearly, reinforcements are needed ahead of the 2022/23 season.
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Although we need to strengthen the defence, we would be looking for an experienced centre back to be a solid block in our defence. So this teenager would not be on the Blues’ priority list as of now. While he could emerge as a star in the future, the chances of him delivering from the word go is minute.
We also have some of our own youngster loanee Levi Colwill who is set to return to Chelsea after establishing himself at Championship side Huddersfield Town. Thomas Tuchel has already decided to take a look at the youngster in the preseason and give him a try in the first team.