Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips' proposed £7million move to Middlesbrough has been put on hold after concerns were raised during his medical at Rockliffe Park.
The 21-year-old had agreed to join Middlesbrough, with the fee potentially rising to £20m, and had informed the club of his intention to sign last Wednesday. Tottenham secured matching rights and a 20 per cent sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Medical complications pause deal
According to The Daily Mail, complications emerged during the centre-back's medical, prompting all parties to pause the deal while they work towards a resolution. Middlesbrough may now explore an initial loan instead of a permanent transfer.
Phillips did not accompany Tottenham on their pre-season tour and has been weighing up his options after three loan spells - two at Stoke City and one at Plymouth Argyle.
Boro's busy summer
Should Middlesbrough finalise a deal for Phillips, it would cap a hectic summer during which they have completed nine signings. Their recruitment drive has been aided by the £117m sale of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa to Chelsea, with Boro receiving a substantial sell-on payment.
Kim Hellberg's side have secured Jeremy Sarmiento, Will Lankshear, Radek Vitek, Sebastian Berhalter and Kyle Joseph as they bid for Premier League promotion, having lost 1-0 to Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley.
Phillips' Spurs career
Phillips arrived at Tottenham in 2023 in a £3m transfer from Blackburn Rovers, where he progressed through the youth system. He has spent the previous two campaigns on loan at Stoke City. As he enters his fourth season with Spurs, Phillips continues to await his senior debut.
For now, the transfer is described as 'on pause' rather than cancelled, though the precise circumstances remain uncertain.
