---
title: "Sky Sports confirm Tottenham defender is in advanced talks to leave"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/08/05/sky-sports-confirm-ashley-phillips-tottenham-leaving/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-08-05T11:46:55Z"
modified: "2026-08-05T11:46:59Z"
---

# Sky Sports confirm Tottenham defender is in advanced talks to leave

**Tottenham Hotspur have spent in excess of £230m this summer on as many as six signings.**

However, they also need outgoings, not necessarily to balance the books but to fine-tune their squad and make space for further reinforcements.

Youngsters like Luka Vuskovic, Alfie Devine, Will Lankshear and Alejo Veliz have moved on permanently, while Mason Melia and Mikey Moore are set to depart on loan.

And now, [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/31771/12476234/transfer-centre-live-football-transfer-news-updates-and-rumours) have confirmed that Tottenham youngster Ashley Phillips is in talks to leave the club.

## Ashley Phillips in advanced talks to leave Tottenham

On their live transfer blog, [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/31771/12476234/transfer-centre-live-football-transfer-news-updates-and-rumours) reported that the 21-year-old defender is in advanced talks to sign for Middlesbrough.

“Man Utd have agreed to sell goalkeeper Radek Vitek to Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £14m and Altay Bayindir to Celta Vigo.”

“Boro are also in advanced talks with Spurs for defender Ashley Phillips.”

> Middlesbrough are in advanced talks with Tottenham over a deal for defender Ashley Phillips.\
> Spurs signed centre-back Phillips from Blackburn for £2m in 2023.\
> He has gained regular first-team experience in the Championship during loan spells at Stoke in the last two seasons,…
>
> — Michael Bridge (@MichaelBridge\_) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/MichaelBridge_/status/2084911946227233131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Further details are unclear at this stage, but Tottenham will not sell the defender unless it’s for a hefty profit.

The North London outfit signed Phillips for £2m in 2023 and has fared admirably during his loan spells with Stoke City and Plymouth Argyle.

Tottenham are open to offloading Phillips permanently, so expect this to get done in the coming days.

​