Accoring to Alan Nixon at The Sun, Newcastle have joined the race to sign Blackburn centre-back Ashley Phillips.
The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham. However, it’s believed they are waiting until the player’s £2m release clause becomes active on Friday.
With the buyout option not yet in place, Nixon reports that Rovers are now demanding in excess of £9m for the England youth international; just when Spurs thought they’d struck a deal at a considerably lower fee.
Tottenham have the option to match that asking price and secure a deal before the likes of Newcastle swoop in, but it seems they’ve scoffed at Blackburn’s demands and may wait until next week; where he’ll be available for just £2m.
The 6ft 4′ defender would very much be one for the future, yet it’s easy to see why we’re interested when the England U19 star made 14 appearances at senior level under former Toon striker Jon Dahl Tomasson last season.
Phillips is training with Blackburn ahead of Saturday’s Championship opener against West Brom, but it’s ‘unlikely’ he’s risked, with all parties fully expecting him to leave over the coming weeks.
