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Tim Sherwood tells Tottenham to recall 19-year-old from loan after failing to sign defender on deadline day
Ange Postecoglou still has problems in the centre of defence at Tottenham.
Despite Spurs signing Kevin Danso from RC Lens, a lack of depth in the centre-back department remains after Radu Dragusin was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury.
Cristian Romero is also yet to return – while there are fresh concerns over Micky van de Ven.
Tottenham did try to sign Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea – only for the France international to end up at Aston Villa – while Spurs also bid for Marc Guehi.
Now – however – Tim Sherwood has offered a solution to Tottenham.
Tim Sherwood tells Spurs to recall Ashley Phillips from Stoke
Speaking on alongside Paul Merson on transfer deadline day, the 55-year-old suggested Tottenham should recall Ashley Phillips to provide Postecoglou with another option in defence.
Also discussing Manor Solomon and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Sherwood said: “I would have called them back. Phillips is a boy they have bought from Blackburn, he has gone out and played at Stoke, he is a young boy but you just never know. Until you put them on the stage you don’t know if they can sing. This boy might be very good. He might save them £60 or £70m on someone who is not as good. You don’t know until you give them the opportunity.
“They have Solomon out at Leeds, he is a player who they could have brought back in. Hojbjerg is a very experienced midfield player, if they need someone just to sit in front. I know Ange doesn’t like that player but if there was an option to bring them back I certainly would have brought them back, I would.”
A story from the claimed that Tottenham did consider recalling the 19-year-old from his loan spell at Stoke in December, but clearly, the north Londoners have decided to let him continue his development with the Potters.
Tottenham have a gem in Ashley Phillips
Perhaps it is for the greater good that Spurs saw their £70m bid for Guehi fail, as Phillips seems to be a top prospect.
The £3m defender spent the first half of last season with Tottenham before moving to Plymouth on loan, receiving plenty of encouragement during his time in N17.
Phillips was praised by Postecoglou – with the Australian saying: “We think he has great potential.”
This finish by Stoke centre back Ashley Phillips is outrageous…
— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod)
Kulusevski also hailed Phillips – even saying the England U20 international is “ready” to perform.
The Sweden international said: “He is ready. It is the coach that decides that, but I think every player is unbelievable in the training.
“Everybody is ready, everybody wants to play and it is so high level the training. So, if he will be called, he will be ready.”