Tottenham are pushing hard to sign Blackburn Rovers defender Ashley Phillips.

The Daily Express says Tottenham had two bids turned down for Blackburn teenager Phillips in January - but are expected to return with a bigger offer in the summer.

Spurs are likely to be one of the busiest clubs in the Premier League at the end of the season as they attempt to add much-needed reinforcements to Antonio Conte's squad.

Phillips, just 16, is yet to make his debut for Championship promotion contenders Blackburn - but Spurs saw bids rising to £5 million including bonuses rejected last month by the Lancashire club.

The centre back, now 6 ft 4ins tall, has been performing so well in Rovers' youth and Under 21 set ups that a host of scouts have been present at games, from clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea.

Tottenham, though, made the first move for the player, who qualifies to play for both England and Wales, and want to add him to their development sides.

Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has labelled Phillips a “mega footballer" and said this month: "Ash is 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. He's an exciting prospect, is all I'd say."