CONFIRMED DEAL: Several reports this morning state that Ipswich Town has formally announced the signing of Sunderland’s fantastic striker to a £35 million contract in an unexpected transaction.

Hull City winger Jaden Philogene has reportedly rejected Barcelona after receiving contract proposals from Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Everton.

Philogene has remarkably turned down Barça in favour of staying in England, even if it means settling for a team in the bottom half of the top-tier standings. A potential move away from Hull is gathering pace, dealing a blow to Aston Villa and their chances of re-signing the winger.

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

If any of the clubs mentioned do indeed complete the signing of Philogene this summer, it would foil one of Villa’s potential plans. There was a £15 million buy-back clause inserted into the 22-year-old’s sale when he left for £5 million last summer, but it can only be activated when Hull are in the same division.

If the Tigers were to be promoted to the Premier League at the end of next season for example, Villa could then have reversed their sale by having first refusal on signing him back. As it stands, though, Villa will have to pay just as much as everyone else if they want to regain Philogene’s services.

Eyebrows were certainly raised when the four-time England Under-21 international was allowed to depart Villa Park on the cheap last September, especially as he looked so impressive in pre-season. It’s understood there’s a sell-on fee included, though, so yet more funds could yet be raised.