Stoke City are believed to be in negotiations with Tottenham over a potential loan deal for 19-year-old defender, Ashely Phillips who starred on loan at Plymouth Argyle last season.
Spurs added Ashley Phillips to their defensive ranks last summer, activating the England youth international’s £2 million release clause and signing the centre-back to a five-year deal at the club. (BBC Sport)
Phillips remained at Tottenham for the first six months upon his arrival at Hotspur Way but moved on loan to Championship strugglers, Plymouth Argyle, in January alongside fellow Spurs academy star, Alfie Devine.
The 19-year-old defender was pivotal in Argyle’s late escape from the drop, making eighteen league outings for the Pilgrims, earning the club’s Young Player of the Season award, despite only joining in January. (TransferMarkt)
Following Phillips’ impressive loan in the second tier last season, Stoke City are keen to bring the teenager in to try and bolster their defensive ranks, as reported by TeamTalk.
Phillips featured briefly in pre-season but wasn’t named on Ange Postecoglou’s bench against Leicester as the young Englishman’s path remains blocked by Romero, Van De Ven and Dragusin.
TeamTalk’s report suggests that the talks between Stoke and Tottenham have so far been positive with Postecoglou’s side keen to allow Phillips to play regularly this season.
Phillips’ omission from Postecoglou’s squad to face Leicester was telling and does suggest that the 19-year-old may require a temporary move away from the club in order to build upon the promising half-a season that he had at Plymouth Argyle.
Loans for young players, especially homegrown ones, are difficult this season due to the Europa League likely throwing up plenty of opportunities for young players to shine, with Phillips likely to have plenty of starts in the competition.
However, after making a senior breakthrough last season, it makes sense for the Englishman to remain at a club that offers him regular game time, in order to fight for a spot in the Spurs team next season.
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