According to Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘deciding’ whether to pursue a move for Blackburn colossus Ashley Phillips after Fabio Paratici ‘watched him’ in action midweek.

The Lowdown: Tottenham leading the race

The 17-year-old is a highly sought-after talent after breaking into Rovers’ first-team this season, and with his contract at Ewood Park expiring next summer, a sale for Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side needs to happen now if they want to cash in.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, were interested in the centre-back, though the report stated that it was the Lilywhites who were in pole position to secure his signature.

The Latest: Paratici in the stands

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Thomas revealed that Spurs are indeed ‘keen’ to sign Phillips, and although it's not as far along as the Mail suggested, they are currently weighing up whether to submit an offer.

“#Tottenham are keen on Ashley Phillips but no bids yet. Paratici watched him play last night in only his third game for #Blackburn, who want to tie him to a new contract. #Spurs still deciding. If he goes to #thfc, he’s a youth player or goes on loan.”

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The Verdict: 'Monster'

Antonio Conte has already added Destiny Udogie to his defensive ranks before sending him straight back out on loan, and with Phillips’ age, it’s likely that he would go down the same route if he put pen to paper in the capital.

The 6 foot 4 ‘monster’, as dubbed by Spurs insider John Wenham, has averaged an outstanding six clearances (more than any Spurs player this term) and 2.5 successful aerial duels per game in the Championship this season, via WhoScored, and has bags of potential to offer.

Phillips would become the fourth defender to join Tottenham this summer after Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Udogie, and is a hugely exciting player for the future.