Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips attracting interest from Middlesbrough after £20m transfer

Standard Sport understands that while a deal is not easy to do, Middlesbrough would prefer a permanent move, but are also open to a loan for the 21-year-old.Phillips has established himself as one of the brightest young centre-backs in the Football League, having made more than 100 Championship appearances across loan spells with Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle and Blackburn Rovers.The England youth international made 40 appearances in all competitions for Stoke last season and captained the side in their 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town in March.On the move? Ashley PhillipsGettyStandard Sport understands that Spurs want to drive greater productivity from the club’s academy, whether through first team progression or player sales.There is also an acceptance that overall Spurs need to improve at maximising player sales. After an aggressive summer of spending, in which they have paid in excess of £200m for six new players, academy sales may increase as the club looks to generate funds.Roberto De Zerbi is expected to take a look at a number of Spurs’ academy players over pre-season, starting with Wednesday evening’s behind-closed-doors friendly against MK Dons at Hotspur Way.