Ipswich agree deal for Hull's Philogene and close on Delap

Jaden Philogene and Liam DelapImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Jaden Philogene (left) and Liam Delap

  • Published

Ipswich Town have had an offer of about £18m accepted for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene and are also close to bringing in Manchester City striker Liam Delap.

The Suffolk club have agreed to pay £20m for England Under-21 international Delap as they prepare for a return to the Premier League.

Southampton also had an offer accepted for the 21-year-old, but it appears he has chosen a move to the Tractor Boys.

Everton expressed an interest in signing Philogene last month and agreed a fee with Hull on Tuesday, but Portman Road has been the 22-year-old's preferred destination.

Aston Villa retained a buy-back option under certain conditions, after selling Philogene to Hull last September.

It is understood Villa inserted a clause into the deal with Hull meaning they would have three days to match any bid once a deal had been agreed.

Crystal Palace were also interested in Philogene but decided against making a move as a deal was deemed too expensive.

Hull owner Acun Ilicali had said there was also real interest from Barcelona in signing Philogene.

The England Under-21 player scored 12 goals in 32 games for Hull last season as they finished seventh in the Championship.

He played for Hull alongside international team-mate Delap, who was on loan with the Tigers last term and scored eight goals in 32 appearances.

The expected signings will add to the £20m arrival from Chelsea of Omari Hutchinson - a player who helped Ipswich to promotion while on loan last season - and the free transfer of Ben Johnson from West Ham.

Ipswich welcome Liverpool to Portman Road for their season opener on August 17.