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Ashley Phillips state of play as Middlesbrough FC pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender 'paused' The latest on Middlesbrough’s pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips Middlesbrough’s pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips has reportedly been paused. The 21-year-old has been on the books in North London since 2023, when he was prised from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers. He has since had three loan spells back in the second tier, impressing for Plymouth Argyle and then across two seasons at Stoke City. The England Under-21s international is now back at Spurs, but has been strongly linked with a move to the Riverside. .jpeg?trim=0,0,266,0&width=640&quality=65>) Ashley Phillips state of play Middlesbrough appeared to be closing in on his signature last week, when reports indicated a £7m plus add-ons deal had been agreed. However, according to the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough’s pursuit of the highly-rated centre-back has been put on hold. Phillips is said to have visited Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe training facility, but some elements of the proposed move are yet to be completed. The relevant parties are now thought to be considering their options, although the report has suggested a move is not off the table. Phillips has already made over 100 appearances in the Championship and has been tipped to enjoy a future at the elite level. Middlesbrough showing transfer market ambition The signing of Phillips - particularly on a permanent basis - would be another major statement of intent from Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough. There has been no shortage of ambition from the North Yorkshire club, who have splashed the cash to get the likes of goalkeeper Radek Vitek, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and forward Will Lankshear through the door. Kim Hellberg’s men returned to competitive action on Friday night (August 7), dumping Wrexham out of the Carabao Cup in the first round with a 1-0 victory. Their Championship campaign will begin on Saturday (August 15), when newly-promoted Lincoln City are due to visit the Riverside.