Middlesbrough interested in signing Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur

Middlesbrough are set to compete with several EFL clubs for the signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips.

The England youth international has spent the past two seasons on loan at Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City, where he has established himself as a regular in the first team.

Sources close to Tottenham have indicated that the club are prepared to listen to offers for the 21-year-old this summer. Stoke remain interested in bringing Phillips back after he made 83 appearances for the Potters, but Middlesbrough are currently considered the frontrunners for his signature. However, securing a deal is expected to be far from straightforward.

Boro are keen to strengthen their defence following the departure of Dael Fry, who joined fellow Championship side Birmingham City on a free transfer earlier this summer.