View: Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou should resist temptation to send Ashley Phillips out on loan for now
It has been the worst-kept secret of the transfer window that Tottenham want to add centre-backs to their ranks this summer.
Wolfsburg defender Micky Van de Ven is reportedly in advanced talks over a deal that could eventually be worth a little over £43million (Sky Sports, 5 August).
Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen is another name who has been linked with a move to North London, while a full deal to bring back Clement Lenglet from Barcelona has also been mooted.
But Spurs’ first central-defensive signing of the window has come in the form of 18-year-old Ashley Phillips (official website, 5 August) from Blackburn Rovers, a player with significant potential who Tottenham acquired in a real bargain deal.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs (4 August), Spurs activated a £2million release clause in his contract having failed with a bid earlier in the summer, and have handed Phillips a five-year deal.
Phillips made eight Championship appearances last term, five of which were starts, and also was also an unused substitute on 15 occasions.
Moreover, Phillips has appeared six times for England Under-19s, so the interest in his talents has already stretched to the international scene.
A report by 90.min (5 August) suggested Ange Postecoglou is planning to send Phillips immediately out on loan to continue his footballing education, something that most will feel is the most reasonable course of action for a fledgling talent.
However, it may be more advisable for the Australian boss to take a closer look at Phillips first hand in training to begin with and, if he decides it is the best thing to do, then seek out a temporary switch for him in the January transfer window.
Tottenham might not have European football this season, but they could even take a look at Phillips in some of the early rounds of the EFL Cup to make sure he gets some competitive minutes under his belt.
The chance to work with a fledgling talent and really integrate him into the team and his own style of play is a chance that Postecoglou should not turn down at this juncture.
In other Tottenham news, John Wenham is delighted with the reported signing of ‘outstanding young prospect’ Alejo Veliz.