Sheffield United are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The 18-year-old made the switch from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers to North London during the summer of 2023 in a deal worth in the region of £2m.
Phillips was unable to break into Ange Postecoglou's first-team plans at Spurs in the first half of the season, but did manage five appearances for the club's youth side.
Looking for game time in men's football, Phillips secured a loan move to second-tier outfit Plymouth Argyle for the remainder of the current term.
Since joining in January, the centre-back has made 16 Championship appearances for the Green Army - 14 of which have been from the start - as the Devonshire club look to avoid relegation.
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Sheffield United interested in Tottenham's Phillips?
According to The Sun, Sheffield United are already targeting defensive reinforcements as they prepare for life back in the Championship under the leadership of Chris Wilder.
The Blades currently sit bottom of the Premier League standings, 10 points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest with just six matches left to play.
Looking towards the 2024-25 term, it is believed that Sheffield Utd want to secure the services of Spurs youngster Phillips during the summer window.
It is understood that any move to Bramall Lane from the Lilywhites would be a temporary one for Phillips, who is working towards a first-team future in North London.
The 18-year-old has a number of high-profile players ahead of him in the defensive pecking order at Spurs, including summer arrival Micky van de Ven and January addition Radu Dragusin.
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Addressing the Blades' backline issues
Heading towards an immediate return to the Championship, there is set to be plenty of changes to Sheffield United's defensive ranks during the summer.
After conceding a record-breaking 84 goals in 32 Premier League matches so far this season, Wilder will be keen to recruit adequate backline reinforcements for next term.
There is also the issue of expiring contracts at Bramall Lane ahead of the summer, with defenders Chris Basham, John Egan and George Baldock all entering the final months of their respective deals.
Phillips could prove to be a shrewd addition for the Blades, especially considering that the Spurs youngster is comfortable with playing as part of a back three - a system utilised by Wilder at United.
Carter White
