Stoke sign teenage Spurs defender Phillips on loan

Ashley Phillips played in Spurs' pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan

Stoke City have signed England Under-19 defender Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old centre-half has been with Spurs since August 2023 after signing from Blackburn Rovers.

He is yet to make a first-team appearance but spent the second half of last season on loan with Stoke boss Steven Schumacher's old club Plymouth Argyle, making 16 appearances to help the Devon side stay in the Championship.

He becomes Stoke's eighth signing of the summer transfer window - and the Potters' third loan from a Premier League club following the arrival of midfielders Andrew Moran from Brighton and Lewis Koumas from Liverpool.

The Potters have also signed Bosun Lawal from Celtic, Blackburn striker Sam Gallagher, French defender Eric Bocat, Norwich City defender Ben Gibson and Rotherham keeper Viktor Johansson.

“Whilst we identified the need to bring another central defender into our squad some time ago, we opted to remain patient and await the right player of the right quality to become available," Stoke sporting director Jon Walters said.

“We’re delighted that our conversations with Ashley and with Tottenham have led to them each believing that Stoke City is the right club for him, amid no shortage of competition."

Phillips is expected to be available for selection for Saturday’s home game with West Bromwich Albion.

After starting the season with a 1-0 home win over Coventry City and a 2-0 League Cup win at Carlisle United, the Potters were hammered 3-0 last Saturday at Watford.