Aston Villa are offering a huge £18m deal to poach the “absurd” young talent

Looking to strengthen their attacking options, Aston Villa have reportedly taken a shock lead in the race to beat Everton and Ipswich Town in the race to sign Unai Emery's familiar face.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have been one of the busiest teams in the Premier League when it comes to signings so far this summer, with the likes of Ross Barkley, Ian Maatsen and others all arriving ahead of the Midlands club's first Champions League campaign under Emery. The Spaniard, however, lost Douglas Luiz to Juventus in a swap deal that saw Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea come to the other side.

Luiz may not be the only move away from the Midlands though following rumors that West Ham United are interested in Jhon Duran in a move that could leave those at Villa Park looking to attack and quickly reunite with the exciting winger.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are now closing in on the signing of Hull City's Jaden Philogene in a deal that would see them hijack both Ipswich Town and Everton's £18m move for the Hull City midfielder. This follows a previous report by The Athletic that the Villans entered the race using the clause they agreed upon when they left the team.

The final steal, Villa reportedly used their first refusal clause to match Everton and Ipswich to put themselves in a good position to re-sign Philogene one year from his departure, and offered the player a “huge” contract to tempt him. in the West Midlands.

Coming through the Aston Villa academy, Philogene could now finally get the chance he was denied under Emery. There will be plenty of competition alongside Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby, but the Championship star showed he is more than ready for a Premier League place last campaign.

Why “absurd” Philogene should join Aston Villa

It would be a full circle moment for Philogene if he completes his return to Aston Villa just one year after leaving Hull, highlighting what a great year it has been with the Tigers. The striker has been given more than a chance to get a second chance to impress at his youth club and it looks like he will be given the go-ahead this summer.

The 22-year-old won many fans during his time at Hull, including former manager Liam Rosenior, who, like many, was left in awe of Philogene's stunning rabona goal against Rotherham last season. Rosenior told Sky Sports: “It's bad, it's bad, his ability is something we've been missing for a long time. He will be better if he plays more games.

“It's not just his goal or shoreel times, his energy level in the team, he has real faith, he can be a top player but the reason he's a top player is because he works hard at his job. We have to get him out on the training ground because he wants to do more.”