Overview
- Multiple national outlets reported advanced negotiations between Middlesbrough and Tottenham this week, with local Teesside coverage on Thursday saying a club-to-club agreement exists.
- Teesside Live reported an initial £7 million fee and that Phillips could travel for medical formalities, but that specific figure and completion of the move are not yet confirmed by all national sources.
- Phillips is a 21-year-old England under-21 centre-back who never made a Spurs senior appearance and built his reputation with loan spells at Plymouth Argyle and two seasons at Stoke City where he made more than 100 Championship appearances.
- Tottenham’s recent signings and squad reshaping have limited Phillips’ pathway to the first team, making a permanent exit likely, and Blackburn Rovers are reported to be due a sell-on percentage from any sale.
- If completed, Phillips would become Middlesbrough’s seventh summer signing as the club strengthens its defence to replace Dael Fry and push for promotion, with next steps to watch being a medical, final club confirmation, and any required outgoings to meet squad limits.