Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs eyeing Blackburn Rovers prospect Ashley Phillips.
According to The Sun, Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners in the race to try sign the highly-rated 16-year-old.
It is understood that the Premier League giants have heavily been scouting the teenager’s performances at youth level.
The report adds Everton and Tottenham have also watched him, albeit they’re behind the aforementioned clubs in the race for his signature.
Phillips, who’s yet to make his first-team debut, has received serious praise in the past from Blackburn’s senior manager Tony Mowbray.
“He’s 6ft 4′, he’s fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he’s composed. Ash is just a phenomenal young boy; if you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute,” Mowbray said last November.
The towering centre-back, who doesn’t turn 17 until June, did feature on the first-team bench for Blackburn last month in the FA Cup without getting on the pitch.
It’s interesting to see what the future holds for the England Under-17 international.
Chelsea academy is golden
For certain, some of the best young talents in this country should want to be playing at Cobham in the Chelsea youth set up.
Phillips is making a real name for himself at Ewood Park, and it sounds like he’s knocking on the door for a senior breakthrough.
The Sun’s report suggests Chelsea are one of two clubs leading the hunt to sign him.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has continued the recent trend at Stamford Bridge set by ex-boss Frank Lampard of allowing academy players into the first team.
The best performing players in the Under-23s do get senior opportunities. The likes of Lewis Hall and Harvey Vale are a testament to that this season.
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