MORNING BREAKING NEWS: Tottenham race Barcelona in signing of Jaden Philogene after given a price tag , deal is almost done.
Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have joined the race to sign Hull City star Jaden Philogene, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old shone for Hull in the Championship last season with 12 goals and six assists in 32 league appearances, having arrived from Aston Villa last summer.
Tottenham have a “concrete” interest in Philogene, while West Ham – whose ambitious transfer business is being spearheaded by technical director Tim Steidten – have entered preliminary talks over a move for the England Under-21 man.
Hull are anticipating the departure of Philogene this summer such is the level and calibre of interest, at a time when there are two years to run on the player’s contract.
Tottenham and West Ham battle Barcelona for Philogene
It is believed that Philogene is keen to play at the highest level after making a step down to progress his career when he left Villa for Hull in the summer window of last year.
Barca can offer Champions League football and bumper crowds, while Spurs are an established top-six club and Champions League contender, and West Ham are regulars in the top 10.
Former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton exclusively told Football Insider [7 March] during the season that Ange Postecoglou’s side should make a move for the “outstanding” Philogene, with his performances driving Hull to a play-off push in which the Tigers ultimately narrowly missed out.
Philogene’s current market value is measured at just short of £13m (€15m) [Transfermarkt], though it is likely with the volume of interest Hull will initially demand a higher fee.
The Humberside outfit will however be mindful of the fact that another year or even six months out of Philogene is almost certain to still drop his value with a new contract very unlikely.
Having made just six senior appearances for Villa, Philogene’s other experience has stemmed from loan spells in the Championship with Stoke City and Cardiff City, and the youngster will now have one eye on the highest level.
