Ipswich Town have reportedly moved clear of Barcelona and a host of Premier League sides in the race for Hull City's Jaden Philogene.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent campaign under the stewardship of Liam Rosenior in the Championship last term following his summer move from top-flight outfit Aston Villa, who were keen to sell the academy graduate due to their precarious Profit and Sustainability situation.
Philogene took to the second tier like a duck to water at the MKM Stadium, netting 12 goals and providing six assists in just 32 Championship appearances, spending a sizeable chunk of the campaign on the sidelines due to a fitness issue.
Despite the best efforts of the exciting winger, the Tigers were unable to secure a spot in the second tier's playoffs, finishing in seventh place following a 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the term in early May.
The failure of Rosenior to guide Hull to a top-six berth saw him relieved of his duties ahead of the new campaign, with former Hamburger SV manager Tim Walter now tasked with taking the Humberside club back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
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Ipswich Town 'beat' Barcelona to Philogene signing
According to Football Insider, one of the Premier League's new faces are set to beat European powerhouses Barcelona to the signing of Hull's Philogene this summer.
The report states that the 22-year-old attacker is close to securing a switch to Ipswich Town, who are looking to significantly bolster their forward options.
Although a move to Barca is a dream for Philogene, the former Villan has his heart set on a Premier League transfer at this stage of his career.
A host of other top-flight clubs in England have been credited with an interest in the Hull man recently, including Everton, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.
Oliver Glasner's Eagles have money to spend following the sale of Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, however it is believed that the London club are set to miss out on the signing of Philogene to newly-promoted Ipswich.
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Ipswich to 'deal' Hull double transfer blow
As well as England Under-21 international Philogene, Jacob Greaves is also said to be closing in on a switch from Hull to East Anglia this summer.
The 23-year-old centre-back impressed massively last season under Rosenior for the Tigers, who only a few years ago were undeniably the poorest defensive outfit in the Championship.
It is understood that Hull will receive £35m for the double sale of Philogene and Greaves to Ipswich, finances that will be reinvested into the club's promotion push.
Kieran McKenna's side have already made major moves in the summer window, securing the services of Omari Hutchinson on a permanent deal from Chelsea and Ben Johnson from West Ham United.
Carter White
