Blackburn Rovers have slapped a huge asking price on centre-back Ashley Phillips, now requiring £9.45million from Tottenham Hotspur if they are to prise him away from Ewood Park this summer.
According to the Sun’s Alan Nixon, Spurs had initially thought they would be able to secure a deal for the talented 18-year-old for just £2m plus extras, but now face a much heftier fee if they are to get their man.
Born in 2005, Phillips made 14 appearances for Rovers last season as he forced his way into the first team picture under Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The youngster is capped by England at Under-19s level and is one of the Championship’s brightest prospects, so it is no surprise to see him being linked with a Premier League switch before he has even established himself as a regular in the second tier.
Blackburn would demand a £5million fee up front for Phillips, with a string of performance related add-ons.
For example, the Rovers would gain £150,000 when the teenager starts for his new side. Ten further appearance bonuses would apply up to 80 games into his tenure there, meaning that the fee would rise to £6.5million should he become a regular under new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglu.
In the first two seasons that Phillips starts over half of the games for his new club, it would cost another £250,000, plus a further quarter of a million if Spurs qualify for European football and he featured in half of those matches for another two seasons.
In addition, there would be a £500,000 bonus if Tottenham were to win the Premier League or Champions League, and another £1.45million in relation to various international appearances.
Blackburn also want to insert a 17.5% sell-on clause in any deal that sees Phillips depart, further increasing his value.
What is next for Phillips?
Former Rovers boss Tony Mowbray was full of praise for the defender during his time at the club.
“He’s 6ft 4in, he’s fast, mobile and can pass it really well,” said Mowbray.
“He can use both feet, he is composed.
“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.”
It is unlikely that Blackburn will be able to keep hold of Phillips, but if they are to strike the right deal then they would be able to reinvest well over the next few seasons and potentially beyond.
It may well be a move that benefits both parties.