Ipswich Town are on the verge of securing winger Jaden Philogene from Hull City in a deal worth £18 million, according to The Athletic.
The Tractor Boys have already agreed personal terms with the player for a five-year contract.
However, a late twist could be on the cards as Aston Villa, who sold Philogene to Hull last year, retain matching rights until Wednesday.
The 22-year-old is expected to undergo a medical at Portman Road in the coming days, but Villa could intervene and decide to re-sign him.
Philogene is a product of Aston Villa’s academy and made three senior appearances for the Villans before his £5 million move to Hull last September.
Villa know the final decision rests with the player, but their involvement complicates the deal.
Crystal Palace and Everton remain interested in the winger, who impressed last season with 12 goals and six assists in all competitions.
Interestingly, Barcelona were linked with a move for Philogene, but those talks somehow dissipated.
Ipswich had initially proposed a joint offer of around £35 million for Philogene and teammate Jacob Greaves, but the deals may be finalised separately.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna will hope to secure Philogene’s signature in the coming days. The winger’s arrival would boost their Premier League aspirations.
Ipswich have sprung out of the blocks in the transfer market, moving swiftly to sign West Ham United right-back Ben Johnson on a free transfer.
Johnson had struggled to take the starting berth from Vladimir Coufal and left on a free transfer to join the Tractor Boys.
Also, Ipswich signed exciting Chelsea talent Omari Hutchinson following his loan spell at Portman Road last season.
The 22-year-old impressed in the Championship, registering 10 ten goals and five assists in 44 appearances, prompting the club to sign him for £22.5m.
Ipswich will look to make a few more additions as they bid to beat the drop back into the Championship. They will be hoping that Philogene is one of those signings.
