'Here we go' - Fabrizio Romano confirms sudden £21m Aston Villa and Ipswich transfer

Jaden Philogene is set to depart Aston Villa for Ipswich Town just six months after completing what was supposed to be a romantic return to Villa Park.

The 22-year-old was re-signed by Unai Emery in July after the head coach admitted he’d make a mistake selling him to Hull City for just £5 million. The £13.5 million fee to bring him back - thanks to a matching rights clause and a 15% sell-on - was seen as a bargain by the club due to Philogene’s immense progress in the Championship last season.

His first campaign back in claret and blue hasn’t quite gone to plan, however, as the winger has started just four matches across all competitions. Philogene has failed to score or assist a single goal in any of his matches played, with 11 substitute appearances to add to his rare starts.

Villa kicked off the January window with an open mind over selling Philogene yet again, coming to terms with their honest mistake of re-signing him. It emerged earlier this week that Everton had registered their interest but now a different Premier League team have gone ahead and completed a deal rapidly.

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reports Ipswich Town have agreed a £21 million deal to sign Philogene this January, meaning Villa will earn a profit of £7.5 million. The Tractor Boys - just like Everton - tried to sign the England Under-21 international in the summer but were beaten by Villa.

It’s gone Ipswich’s way this time, however, with manager Kieran McKenna playing a key role. Romano claims McKenna called up Philogene directly and convinced him that the project at Portman Road was the correct one, even with chances of relegation seemingly high this campaign.

It’s also stated in Romano’s report that Philogene is already on his way to Ipswich to ensure he can complete his medical on Thursday morning ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie at home to Bristol Rovers.