Middlesbrough are now plotting a move for a highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur defender after poaching Will Lankshear from N17.
Boro agreed a deal worth £20m, including add-ons, for Lankshear, which is certainly a steep fee for a player who has only made three senior appearances for Tottenham.
That price was driven by the fact that the 21-year-old scored 11 goals and provided four assists in the Championship last term for an Oxford side that finished in the bottom three.
Some Tottenham fans were not happy with the club’s decision to move on Lankshear, and some of them may be set for even more disappointment if Boro get their way and secure another 21-year-old Spurs star.
Middlesbrough plotting move for Tottenham’s Ashley Phillips
The Standard have now revealed that Boro have set their sights on Ashley Phillips after striking a deal with Tottenham for the striker.
Phillips was nominated for the Championship Young Player of the Year award last season for his excellent performances on loan at Stoke City.
The centre-back has spent the last two seasons on loan at the Bet 365 Stadium, and has also played in the second tier with Plymouth Argyle and Blackburn Rovers.
The Standard say that Boro know that a deal for the defender will not be easy to do. While they would prefer to sign Phillips permanently, they are open to loaning the 21-year-old for next season.
Spurs are looking to maximise productivity from the academy
Tottenham have already sold three of their academy graduates, Lankshear, Alfie Devine and Tynan Thompson, for a combined £34m.
Additionally, 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic joined Brighton for £50m despite not making a single competitive appearance for the Lilywhites.
The Standard explains that this is part of Tottenham’s strategy to drive greater productivity from the club’s academy, either through first-team progression or player sales.
There is also said to be an acceptance at the North London club that Spurs need to improve at maximising player sales.