Tottenham ready to bank serious profit as Ashley Phillips transfer advances

Tottenham have finally unleashed in the transfer market after years of discontent in North London.

After consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi has been backed to turn it around.

Daniel Levy was always known as a tight operator within transfer windows, but his exit has seen the scipt flip immediately.

Tottenham have spent well over £200million, with Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke the highlights.

Smart additions like Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers prove they can do it both, though.

But it's their brilliant business when offloading players that may have caught the eye even more this summer.

Ashley Phillips is next to leave Tottenham

Spurs aren't exactly known for extracting the best value when selling players, but that is all changing.

Michael Bridge of Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Middlesbrough are now in advanced talks to sign Ashley Phillips permanently.

After several impressive loan spells in the Championship, the defender has increased his value and Spurs will benefit.

While the specific price isn't mentioned, Alan Nixon has previously reported that Spurs want £10million-plus to sell.

Given they only spent £2m to sign him from Blackburn four years ago, that is serious profit on a player that hasn't really featured for Spurs.

Tottenham have already agreed better sale elsewhere

If the deal is £10m or there abouts, it's still not the best deal.

Ironically, Middlesbrough have already spent big on Spurs talent this summer, signing Will Lankshear.

Boro actually agreed a deal worth up to £20m for Lankshear, which is still wild to think about a few weeks later.

The striker only made six senior appearances for Spurs, and Phillips is yet to even make one during his time.

So, Tottenham possibly banking £30m, or even more, for two players with six appearances for the Lilywhites between them, is crazy.

Finally, they are acting like the powerhouse they believe themselves to be.

After two years of absolute nonsense and mediocrity, this summer is hopefully a sign of things to come.

Let's hope this serious business, both in and out, is a sign of things to come in the Premier League and all competitions under De Zerbi.

It's about time.