Jaden Philogene: Aston Villa make late £18m move for Hull winger

Aston Villa have made a late move to hijack Hull winger Jaden Philogene’s move to Ipswich.

Unai Emery’s side have triggered their matching rights option to equal the Tractor Boys’ £18m offer for the England Under-21 international, who came through the Villa academy.

Villa sold the 22-year-old to the Tigers last September but retained a buy-back option under certain conditions.

It is understood Villa inserted a clause meaning they would have three days to match any bid once a deal had been agreed.

Newly promoted Ipswich had their £18m offer accepted by Hull, with Everton also agreeing a deal, and Villa have now moved to bring Philogene back to Villa Park after less than a year away.

It is now up to the player whether he wants to move to Portman Road – a transfer he has been keen on – or return to Birmingham, with Villa able to offer Champions League football after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

He made six appearances, but just one start, for Villa after coming through the club’s academy and had loans spells at Stoke and Cardiff.

Crystal Palace were also interested in Philogene but decided against a move as a deal was deemed too expensive.

Philogene scored 12 goals in 32 games for Hull last season as they finished seventh in the Championship.

Ipswich, promoted from the Championship last season after coming second, are close to signing Manchester City striker Liam Delap in a £20m deal.

He played for Hull alongside Philogene last season while on loan with the Tigers from the English champions and scored eight goals in 32 appearances.