The news outlet reported online on Wednesday (10 July) that Villa have activated a matching rights clause which was negotiated in the deal that saw Philogene move to Hull City from Villa Park last summer.
Ipswich Town made a bid worth £18million for the 22-year-old, and Villa were provided with 72 hours to exercise their option.
Personal terms were pre-agreed when the winger quit the club last summer.
Should Hull receive a higher bid, Villa would have to choose whether or not to remain in the process, with the Hammers one of several Premier League clubs continuing to pursue Philogene.
With several clubs involved in proceedings, signing Philogene will not be easy. However, one thing appears certain, and that is that the Englishman looks to be on his way to the Premier League.
Whether or not he makes a move to the London Stadium though remains to be seen.
Villa are clearly interested, as are Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Everton. Therefore, if Julen Lopetegui wants to add Philogene to his ranks, the club will need to put their money where their mouth is.
From Hull’s perspective, it looks as if they will sell to the highest bidder.
From Philogene’s perspective, he appears to have several options to pick from. However, there is no reason why West Ham can’t lure him to the club.
Lopetegui’s side are likely to be fighting higher up the table than the likes of Ispwich and Everton, while they could also probably assure him more first-team minutes than Villa.
Supporters must now wait and see what twist this transfer sags takes next.
In other West Ham news, the club have tabled a bid for a Premier League striker.
