Town are allegedly still favorites to capture Hull City winger Jaden Philogene, despite his old club Aston Villa’s late move yesterday.
The Blues have negotiated a double deal with the Tigers for Philogene and central defender Jacob Greaves, which is thought to be valued between £35 and £40 million up front with add-ons.
The Greaves sale is almost complete, but there is still a concern over the acquisition of Philogene, which is estimated to be worth £18 million of the total price.
Yesterday, Villa invoked the matching rights clause in the transaction that saw the 22-year-old sold to Hull for £5 million a year ago.
However, according to Hull Live, the Blues remain favourites to sign the England U21 international, with personal conditions negotiated prior to Villa’s involvement.
Philogene has unexpectedly joined the Hull squad for their pre-season camp in Turkey, after initially staying behind with Greaves.
Villa’s matching rights enabled them to match any offer the Tigers received within 72 hours. If Town – or any other team with Everton said to be interested – makes a higher offer, the Midlanders will have to decide whether to remain in the race.
It is understood that the transaction that saw Philogene move to East Yorkshire last summer included a 30% sell-on, with personal arrangements for his prospective return already arranged.
Philogene, who has two years remaining on his Hull deal with an option for another season, joined Villa’s academy from the Pro:Direct Academy and spent time on loan with Stoke and Cardiff City before completing the £5 million move to the MKM Stadium a year ago.
The Greaves transaction is nearly complete, but the Philogene relocation is still pending.
Town, who have already added Omari Hutchinson and Ben Johnson to their roster this summer, are expected to sign Manchester City’s Liam Delap today.
As previously stated, Delap has completed his medical examination and agreed to personal arrangements at Portman Road.
