Everton could miss out on key target Jaden Philogene as Ipswich Town have agreed an £18 million deal to sign the Hull City winger.
According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old has agreed on a five-year contract with the Tractor Boys and, barring a late twist, will undergo medicals in the coming days.
Everton had formalised their interest in the talented forward with a proposal worth £16m plus add-ons, but unless they match Ipswich’s offer, the youngster will join the newly promoted outfit.
Philogene has become a highly sought-after player, with multiple clubs across Europe vying to land his signature.
Spanish heavyweight Barcelona were considered the front-runners to sign him after launching a loan move with a £25m purchase clause tied to appearances.
While Philogene claimed it was his dream to play for the Catalan giants, the winger ruled out an immediate move to La Liga in favour of playing in the Premier League next season.
Everton are seriously interested in Philogene, but they need to move quickly before Ipswich rubberstamps their deal to sign the youngster.
The Tractor Boys are looking to strike a double deal with Hull City and have submitted a combined bid worth £35m for Philogene and highly rated centre-back Jacob Greaves.
Greaves has also attracted interest from Everton, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur but has reportedly undergone a medical at Portman Road.
Philogene was in sensational form for the Tigers last season, notching 12 goals and six assists in 32 Championship appearances.
The England Under-21 international came up through Aston Villa’s academy before joining Hull in a £5m deal last summer.
Villa reportedly have matching rights for Philogene and have informed Hull that they will match Ipswich’s bid, but they understand that the final decision rests with the player.
Crystal Palace are also in contention to sign Philogene, and it will be interesting to see how the race to sign the youngster develops in the coming days.
Stats from Sofascore.com
