“He’s an exciting player every coach wants” – Chelsea battle Man Utd in race to sign highly rated defender
Chelsea are in a battle with Premier League rivals Manchester United for the transfer of Blackburn Rovers sensational defender Ashley Phillips.
This is According to The Sun via Metro.
The 16-year-old is yet to make his debut for Rovers but he’s already a regular for the club’s U21s and there’s been an almost ‘constant presence’ of scouts to watch Phillips this season.
Chelsea are keen on signing the 6ft4 defender before he makes the step-up into the first team and his price tag increases.
“He’s 6ft 4′, he’s fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he’s composed,” said Blackburn Rovers manager Guy Mowbray.
“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.
“But he is still just a young boy. He needs time, which is why he’s training with the first-team so that he gets confident and used to the level of intensity.
“He’s an exciting prospect, is all I’d say. But it’s in a position where there is a lot of responsibility.
“It’s not as easy to put a really talented young defender in as opposed to a talented young striker where it doesn’t matter if he loses the ball every now and then.
“As a defender, you’re judged on keeping the ball out of the net and winning your individual duels.
“He is just a boy but he’s got some amazing attributes. We’ve got high hopes that he can progress quickly.”