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Tottenham transfer news: Middlesbrough have emerged as the favourites to sign Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Ashley Phillips, according to a transfer report relayed by Transfer Feed. Boro are pressing ahead with talks after the England Under-21 international impressed across two loan spells with Stoke City. The report claims Tottenham want an initial fee close to the package agreed for Will Lankshear earlier this summer. Tottenham transfer news: Middlesbrough lead chase for Spurs defender Middlesbrough paid around £10 million for Lankshear, while performance-related add-ons could eventually lift that deal to £20 million. Phillips has now reached a similar valuation after an outstanding campaign in the Championship. At 21, he has built a strong reputation through consistent displays, physical defending and composure in possession. Tottenham transfer news has increasingly shifted towards outgoing business as Roberto De Zerbi reshapes his squad before the 2026/27 season begins. Tottenham transfer news: Phillips has already proved his value Phillips produced one of the strongest seasons of any young defender in the Championship during 2025/26. He played 40 league matches, completed 3,342 minutes, contributed one assist, received six yellow cards and one red card, and earned a place in the Championship Team of the Year. Those numbers reflect a defender who handled responsibility every week rather than a prospect living on potential. His performances deserve another chance at Premier League level. Unfortunately for him, Tottenham’s current squad leaves little room. Summer arrivals Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have strengthened De Zerbi’s central defensive options, pushing Phillips further away from regular football. Another loan feels like delaying an obvious decision rather than solving the problem. Tottenham transfer news: Tottenham should secure the right deal A permanent sale looks sensible if Tottenham negotiate carefully. The club paid Blackburn Rovers roughly £2 million for Phillips in 2023. Receiving an opening fee between £10 million and £12 million would represent an excellent return before any add-ons become payable. Middlesbrough have enough financial flexibility to make that investment, especially after previous player sales. Peter Carrington should protect Tottenham’s long-term position with the right clauses. A 20 per cent sell-on agreement would allow Spurs to benefit if Phillips develops into an established Premier League defender after regular football under Kim Hellberg. A buy-back clause, or matching rights, should be included as well. That structure mirrors the approach used in the Lankshear transfer and gives Tottenham another opportunity if Phillips reaches the level many scouts expected when they signed him from Blackburn.