Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips.
Spurs activated his £2 million release clause, and the teenager has signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2028.
Phillips becomes the fourth summer signing to link up with Ange Postecoglou’s squad during the transfer window following the arrivals of Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison and Manor Solomon.
Spurs were not the only top English club keeping tabs on the youngster, with Manchester United and Chelsea also monitoring his development thanks to his performances at youth level.
After progressing through the youth ranks at Blackburn, the teenager made the step up to senior football last season.
He played 14 times for Rovers’ senior team, including eight appearances in the Championship and a further three in the League Cup.
“Can’t wait to get started,” Phillips told SPURSPLAY. “It’s a really massive club with good players and good staff, and I’m excited for the future.
“I want to be involved in the first-team environment and hopefully make some appearances. It’s a dream I’ve always had, and it’ll be a massive moment for me and my family.
“I’ve always dreamt of being in the Premier League, and I can’t wait to play in it for Spurs.”
Phillips has represented England at Under-17 and U19 levels. He also captained the U18s against Norway at the International Tournament of Lisbon in June.
Meanwhile, Spurs are on the verge of completing their fifth summer signing with a deal for Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven in the works.
They have reportedly agreed a £43m deal to sign the Dutch centre-half, who is only a medical examination away from being a Spurs player.
Van de Ven showcased his talent in the Bundesliga last season, making 33 appearances as Wolfsburg finished eighth.
He will sign a long-term contract with Spurs as Postecoglou’s squad revamp continues.
