Spurs defender Phillips returns to Stoke on loan

Image caption, Ashley Phillips made 39 appearances for Stoke in the 2024-25 seasonStoke City have brought back Tottenham Hotspur's Ashley Phillips for a second season-long loan spell.

The 20-year-old defender made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Potters last term, and had been linked with a move to Championship rivals Sheffield United.

He becomes head coach Mark Robins' fifth summer signing ahead of the new Championship season, which starts at home to Derby County on Saturday, 9 August.

"Being able to bring Ashley back to Stoke City despite plenty of competition is down to him loving his time here last season so much, and a lot of work that took place behind the scenes to make it…