Ipswich Town transfer rumour: Blues 'reach out' to reported FC Barcelona target

Ipswich Town have reportedly 'reached out' to Hull City winger Jaden Philogene, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 22-year-old joined Aston Villa's academy in 2018, leaving the club five years later after making just three Premier League appearances and going out on loan to Stoke City and Cardiff City in the Championship.

The Blues were linked with a move for him last summer but nothing materialised, allowing him to join Hull City on September 1st, 2023. In 32 league games for the Tigers last season, he scored 12 goals and provided six assists.

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He's since been linked with a move away from Humberside, with interest primarily coming from Premier League clubs. However, Spanish news outlet Relevo broke the news that FC Barcelona are interested in signing the winger, which Romano confirmed.

He also added that Ipswich are one of 'several' English sides eyeing up a deal, claiming that they've reached out to Philogene's agent to 'understand the conditions of the deal'.

"There is interest from several Premier League clubs - let me mention especially West Ham and Ipswich Town," Romano said on his 'Here We Go' podcast.

"These two clubs have already reached out to the player's side to understand the conditions of the deal.

"Remember that the player, in the future, will have the possibility to return to Aston Villa. Aston Villa added a matching clause into the contract of Philogene, so they have the possibility, in the future, to bring the player back.

"Let's see what's going to happen in terms of negotiations, but for sure, he's going to be one to watch in the next weeks."

MORE: How we'll be covering the transfer window this summer

The winger bagged 12 goals and six assists in the Championship last season (Image: PA)

Alex's verdict

This isn't Ipswich's first rodeo when it comes to Philogene. They were clearly keen on signing him last summer, but for one reason or another, it just didn't work out.

The problem now is that his price tag will be much, much higher. Speaking back in April, Hull owner Acun Ilicali said that it would take a bid north of £25 million to sign their top scorer this summer.

The Tigers will also be aware that Town have enquired about defender Jacob Greaves, and the prospect of losing two of their best players to a newly-promoted Premier League side won't sit well with supporters unless there's a lot of money involved.

Of course, it's easy to see where Philogene fits in at Portman Road. A versatile winger, he prefers to play off the left but can also cover the right flank. He's fast, good on the ball and a clinical finisher. He seems like somebody ready-made to make the step-up to the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, the competition is fierce. West Ham's interest is one thing, but Aston Villa have been smart to add in a clause that will give them the chance to match any offer Hull receive to get a deal done.

The fact that 27-time La Liga champions FC Barcelona are reportedly keen is another matter entirely, even Hansi Flick's side are struggling financially. Their pedigree - both domestically and in Europe - would appeal to almost every player they target.

If a bidding war starts, Ipswich might be priced out quite quickly, particularly if a good chunk of their budget goes towards a bid for Omari Hutchinson. It's an exciting rumour, however, and one to track in the coming weeks.