Ashley Phillips is expected to remain with Blackburn Rovers beyond the summer transfer window.

According to the Evening Standard, the 17-year-old will not be leaving Ewood Park despite Premier League interest in the defender.

Chelsea and Tottenham were both seeking a move for the Rovers player, who has earned a place in Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side to start the Championship season.

Phillips is a very promising young Blackburn talent, with expectations high on him reaching his potential.

The centre back has already started three of the team’s five games in all competitions so far this campaign and is expected to play a role in Tomasson’s side throughout the year.

But he is also out of contract at the end of the current season, which has led to speculation linking him with a move to the top flight, with Spurs understood to have been leading the race for his signature.

However, it is now expected that he will remain with his current club, who are seeking a deal to tie him down with a longer-term contract.

 

 

Blackburn are currently top of the second division table having won three of their four opening league games.

Up next for Rovers is a trip to face Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.

The Verdict

This is very positive news for Blackburn, with a contract extension now the next logical action for the club to seek.

At 17, Phillips is already proving his readiness to compete at senior level football having performed well in the opportunities he has been given so far.

While a move to the likes of Tottenham or Chelsea would have been hugely exciting, the first team chances would have been limited.

Developing his game at Blackburn for a couple of years more and establishing himself within the team would be the best step for him to take in his development, instead of being sent out on loan every year by a bigger club.