Blackburn’s stance revealed with Man United desperate to beat Chelsea, Everton & Spurs in transfer race

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a bid as they’re desperate to beat Chelsea, Everton, and Tottenham in the race for 16-year-old Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips.

The teenager, who has less than 18 months left on his current contract, has caught the eye of a string of top-flight clubs with his performances in Premier League 2 and for the England U17s this term.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reported earlier this week that United, Chelsea, Everton and Spurs have already enquired about Phillips and it seems the former are ready to take action in an attempt to win the race for his signature.

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are lining up a bid for the teenager as they see him a star in the making and are desperate to bring him to Old Trafford.

Rovers are said to be bracing themselves for offers for the central defender but want to keep hold of him.

Phillips has trained with Tony Mowbray’s senior squad on multiple occasions this season and though he’s yet to make his first team debut, was named in the squad for their FA Cup tie against Wigan in January.

The Verdict 

It seems as though holding onto the 16-year-old is going to be a tough ask for Rovers with some big Premier League clubs circling.

United are lining up action as they look to beat their top flight rivals to Phillips’ signature but that may well draw a response from the likes of Chelsea, Everton, and Spurs.

It’s a frustrating situation from a Blackburn perspective, with the Championship club desperate to keep hold of him but knowing that it will be very hard to do so should offers materialise – particularly given his contract situation.

Outlining a path to senior football at Ewood Park may temp Phillips to stay put but with Rovers