Tottenham close to finalizing sixth signing for Ange Postecoglou after transfer delay

Tottenham kick off their Premier League campaign away to Brentford on August 13.

Tottenham is expected to finalize the signing of highly-rated Blackburn Rovers center-back Ashley Phillips by the end of the week, according to reports. Spurs looked set to conclude the deal in July before the transfer hit an unexpected snag when the Championship club changed their demands at the eleventh hour.

Blackburn is currently battling serious financial trouble off the field and has had their budget slashed by owners V H Group.

Phillips even traveled south from Lancashire to London to undergo medical checks before a late intervention from the Rovers.

However, The Evening Standard are now reporting that the transfer is well and truly back on track.

The report suggests a deal is now in the final stages with Phillips set to become Tottenham’s sixth summer arrival.

That said, the 18-year-old starlet is expected to be a signing for the future and not one that will immediately be part of first-team plans for the new Premier League season.

Phillips made eight appearances for Rovers in the Championship last season and is considered to be a player with a huge future.

He has represented Wales U16s and England at U17, U18, and U19 levels following a switch of international allegiance.

Tottenham was set to wrap up the signing for around £ 5 million with £2m of that figure expected to be made up of add-ons.

But now the tables have turned due to a release clause that became active in Phillips’ Rovers contract late last week.

Now Spurs are set to pay just £2m meaning Blackburn will miss out on some much-needed cash.

Phillips is pushing to complete the move and could spend time back on loan in the Football League next season.

Blackburn still hopes they will be entitled to some additional bonus payments.

It’s highly likely the deal could include add-ons related to potential England senior appearances and first-team appearances at Tottenham.

Spurs could therefore end up eventually paying around £6.5m for the teenage defender.

Ange Postecoglou is still chasing at least one more senior center-back ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League opener at Brentford.

Tosin Adarabioyo remains of interest as does Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Micky Van de Ven of Wolfsburg.