Young Blackburn defender Ash Phillips has yet to sign a professional contract with the club amid interest from Tottenham, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.
The report explains the 17-year-old was expected to pen a long-term deal earlier this month after agreeing the terms in principle last summer, but the signing has not yet taken place.
Although it adds that talks between Rovers and Phillips’ representatives are ongoing to resolve the situation, the delay could potentially open the door to other suitors.
The Sun previously reported that Spurs were leading Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for Phillips after showing a willingness to complete a deal tipped to reach as high as £3 million.
Phillips spent the majority of last season with Blackburn U23s and impressed as he turned out 11 times for the reserve side in the Premier League 2 (Transfermarkt).
Capped at England U17 level, he has since moved closer to the first-team over pre-season and featured in friendlies against Accrington Stanley and Dundee.
Phillips also made the bench for Blackburn’s 2-2 draw at Celtic and is likely to play a part in the upcoming match-up against Hartlepool.
Spurs Web Opinion
Blackburn seem pretty keen to tie down Phillips given he has only just worked his way through the club’s academy system, but they could also risk losing him if they don’t secure him soon.
He may not be a ready-made signing for a club like Spurs, but players like this are important to add to the academy with a view to helping them make the first-team in a few seasons.
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