Rovers hope to soon be in a position to announce that Ash Phillips has signed his first professional contract - with the club working to conclude the final details of the deal.
With rising star Adam Wharton signed up to a five-year deal, Rovers are increasingly hopeful that 17-year-old defender Phillips will become the next Academy starlet to pen a contract extension with the club.
There have been ongoing negotiations with Phillips’ representatives for some time, heightened since the three-year professional contract that had been agreed in principle last summer went unsigned on July 1.
That means Phillips is now into the second year of the two-year scholarship contract he signed in the summer of 2020 having not been able to sign professional terms until after his 17th birthday in June.
Phillips’ age also means that Rovers are restricted in only being able to agree a three-year professional deal with him under EPPP rules, but his signature will offer the club a much greater level of protection should Premier League clubs continue to circle than they currently have.
Some final details of the contract are now in the process of being ironed out, but it is understood the basis of an agreement is now in place with the hope for an announcement soon, with the expectation that a deal will now finally get over the line.
Rovers are working hard to protect their Academy graduates and reward them with long-term contracts, with 18-year-old midfielder Wharton signed up until 2027 as well as John Buckley following their renewals this month.
England youth international Phillips is the next player Rovers are hoping to be able to tie down, as is Jake Batty, with the 17-year-old left back finding himself in a similar position having not yet signed the professional contract that has been put infront of him.
The pair have both made their debuts until Jon Dahl Tomasson, with Phillips having made four Championship appearances and two Carabao Cup outings this season, as well as featuring in eight of the nine matchday squads.
When discussing the contract extension for Wharton, Tomasson said after the Watford win: “Hopefully Ash is getting there as well.”
TAKE OUT A SUBSCRIPTION...
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel