Championship Club Join Sheffield United in Hunt For Promising Premier League Player | OneFootball

Birmingham City have joined Sheffield United in the hunt to sign Tottenham Hotspur’s highly-rated teenage defender Ashley Phillips, as per a report from EFL Zone.

Phillips, who moved to Spurs from Blackburn Rovers last year for a fee in the region of £2 million, is expected to leave the capital this summer in search of first-team football. Spurs are open to both a loan deal or a permanent transfer, provided their valuation, believed to be around £6 million, is met.

Ashley Phillips Showing Promising Signs

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Ashley Phillips (L) and Viktor Johansson of Stoke City look dejected after conceding their side’s first goal which was scored by Sam McCallum of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City FC and Sheffield United FC at Bet365 Stadium on April 25, 2025 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The young centre-half spent last season on loan at Stoke City in the Championship, where he made 35 starts and emerged as one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for the Potters. Despite Stoke’s struggles, Phillips helped the side keep 10 clean sheets and earned praise for his maturity, aerial dominance, and strong tackling.

While his decision-making sometimes still shows youth and inexperience, his reading of the game, pace, and ability to play out from the back mark him out as a potential future Premier League defender. He is comfortable in possession and unafraid to attempt difficult passes so he is shaping up to be a solid modern-day ball-playing centre-back.

Sheffield United Need to Bring in Centre-backs This Summer

LUTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Anel Ahmedhodzic of Sheffield United celebrates the win at the end of the game the Sky Bet Championship match between Luton Town FC and Sheffield United FC at Kenilworth Road on February 15, 2025 in Luton, England.

Sheffield United are short of centre-back options as of writing, and would likely view Phillips as a key part of their rebuilding plans under new boss Ruben Selles. With Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson currently the only senior centre-backs  nailed down for next season, but both only have 12 months remaining on their current deals. The Blades are eager to strengthen their defensive ranks quickly this summer, and Phillips’ Championship experience as well as his potential make him a highly appealing target.

However, Birmingham’s apparent emergence in the race could complicate matters. The Blues, under their rich American chairman Tom Wagner, spent £25 million to get promoted out of League One last season, and the American investors at Birmingham are hoping to steer the club back to the Premier League for the 2026/27 campaign.

United’s American owners COH Sports may have a tough battle on their hands to acquire Phillips. But with Blades fans awaiting new additions ahead of their pre-season training camp in Spain, they are set to see Brazilian defensive midfielder Vinicius Souza depart in the coming days as he looks to join Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg for a reported €15 million fee.