Aston Villa are reportedly ready to activate a matching offer clause to re-sign Jaden Philogene from Hull City but face fierce competition.

The winger enjoyed a terrific 2023/24 season as he scored 12 goals and made six assists in 32 Championship appearances. Before that, the former Villan netted four goals and registered one assist in 37 English second-tier matches on loan at Cardiff City.

Eyebrows were certainly raised when the four-time England Under-21 international was allowed to depart Villa Park for just PS5 million last September, especially as he looked so impressive in pre-season. Three clauses were inserted into the deal, though, with one poised to be exercised.

The Athletic reports Ipswich Town have already seen an PS18 million offer accepted by Hull, while Philogene has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal.

BBC Sport, meanwhile, reports Everton have seen a similar proposal accepted. The Toffees are confident of batting away the competition to land Philogene but the saga is far from over.

Villa have been in the loop the entire time, though, and are ready to utilise their first-refusal agreement by matching the bids.

Unai Emery's side will respect the winger's wish by stepping away if he makes it clear he doesn't want a return but, as it stands, there's been no indication of that. Philogene has agreed to undergo a medical at Ipswich but could change his mind.

If the 22-year-old doesn't come back to Villa, there will still be a benefit as a sell-on clause was included in the sale to Hull. The final clause was a buy-back option for PS15 million if the Tigers were promoted but the failure to do so leaves that inactive.