With Everton, Liverpool and Crystal Palace all in the mix for one of the most coveted talents in English football, a final decision could be made ‘in a few days’.
At least, that is according to the man who’s club are in the midst of negotiations of a deal that could earn them a cool £40 million windfall.
Of course, money isn’t everything.
But with HITC reporting that Everton and Crystal Palace have submitted bids for the much-admired Jaden Philogene – Liverpool are also in pursuit – Hull City chief Acun Ilicali is determined to focus not only on the dark clouds but also the silver lining.
The Hull Daily Mail reports that Philogene and defender Jacob Greaves are expected to bring in around £20 million each on Humberside.
And while both players will take some replacing – Philogene one of the most talented forwards in the Championship and Greaves among the division’s premiere centre-halves – at least Hull will have plenty of money to spend on successors.
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Everton and Crystal Palace like Hull City’s Jaden Philogene
Furthermore, Ilicali can take some pride in the notion that Hull have helped two talented young up-and-comers achieve their dreams of Premier League football.
The rapid progress of Philogene – in particular – should make The Tigers a tempting destination for ambitious rising stars looking to make a name for themselves.
“They want to go to the Premier League, which I understand,” Ilicali explains when asked about the imminent departures of Philogene and Greaves, refusing to stand in the duo’s way. “I’m sure that the fans also understand.
“So, very probably, they’re going to be in the Premier League next year and the deal can be finished in a few days if nothing unexpected happens.
“Of course, I’m not happy. I’m sad. First of all, both of them are very good boys and I like them a lot, especially Greaves. He has been here since I came, and I have a special relationship with him, but he mentioned to me that he wants to go to the Premier League.
“That’s what, of course, all of the players want. So when he says something like that, my only concern will be his happiness. So I’m sad. But of course, for the club, we will see if it is going to be positive or negative because new players will come.”
Everton and Crystal Palace, HITC understands, both made offers for a player who joined in a £5 million deal from Aston Villa last summer and wasted no time in showcasing his ‘outrageous’ talent with a series of sensational finishes.
Villa have first-refusal, meanwhile, for Philogene but seem unlikely to utilise it at this stage.
Ipswich lead race but Palace need Michael Olise replacement
When pressed further on which club was likely to win the race, Ilicali claimed that The Toffees and The Eagles are currently lagging behind newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys have already shattered their transfer record to bring in Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea on a permanent basis.
Should Philogene and Greaves arrive at Portman Road too, Ipswich will take their spending to over £60 million since securing successive promotions under Kieran McKenna.
“Yes, Ipswich are the favourites now,” Ilicali adds.
HITC understands that Philogene is not the only winger on Crystal Palace’s radar.
The South London outfit have enjoyed huge success when dipping into the EFL market and it would be fitting if former Reading talisman Michael Olise was to be replaced by either Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto or Sunderland’s Jack Clarke.
Antonio Nusa, the Club Brugge wonderkid, is another, more left-field option.
The post Club owner says Everton and Crystal Palace are not 'the favourites' to sign his £20m ace appeared first on HITC.
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