Contract in place as Aston Villa 'ready' to hijack Ipswich Town and Everton transfer

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to activate a matching offer clause to re-sign Jaden Philogene from Hull City but face fierce competition.

The winger enjoyed a terrific 2023/24 season as he scored 12 goals and made six assists in 32 Championship appearances. Before that, the former Villan netted four goals and registered one assist in 37 English second-tier matches on loan at Cardiff City.

Eyebrows were certainly raised when the four-time England Under-21 international was allowed to depart Villa Park for just £5 million last September, especially as he looked so impressive in pre-season. Three clauses were inserted into the deal, though, with one poised to be exercised.

The Athletic reports Ipswich Town have already seen an £18 million offer accepted by Hull and Philogene has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal.

BBC Sport, meanwhile, reports Everton have seen a similar proposal accepted. The Toffees are confident of batting away the competition to land Philogene but the saga is far from over.

Aston Villa could have final say in Philogene race

Villa have been kept in the loop the entire time and are ready to utilise their first-refusal agreement by matching the bids.

Unai Emery’s side will respect the winger’s wish by stepping away if he makes it clear he doesn’t want a return but, as it stands, there’s been no formal indication of that. Philogene has agreed to undergo a medical at Ipswich but could change his mind.

Assurances will have to be made as the player originally left in the search for regular minutes. Even if the 22-year-old doesn’t come back to Villa, there will still be a benefit as a sell-on clause was included in the sale to Hull.