Aston Villa set for transfer tussle after activating £18m clause

Aston Villa have reportedly activated their matching rights to sign Jaden Philogene after Hull City accepted an £18m offer from Ipswich Town.

Villa retained a buy-back option under certain conditions after selling Philogene to Hull for £5m last September. They have three days to match any bid once a deal has been agreed and Fabrizio Romano has reported that Villa have taken up that option.

Ipswich have been the frontrunners to sign Philogene, while Crystal Palace and Everton are also interested. The Tractor Boys have agreed personal terms with Philogene on a five-year contract and he was due to undergo a medical, but the situation is not closed.

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Philogene has not travelled to Istanbul for Hull's pre-season as he closes in on a move away from the club.

If he is open to returning to Villa, then a deal could be wrapped up shortly, but the winger left the club less than 12 months ago in search of regular football.

The winger scored 12 goals in 31 Championship games last season and also registered six assists, but the Tigers failed to get into the play-offs and Liam Rosenior was subsequently sacked.

Philogene had earned himself a place in Villa's squad for last season, but essentially handed in a transfer request due to the competition in his position.

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