Aston Villa are reportedly in talks with Everton over the potential sale of Jaden Philogene.
The 22-year-old was re-signed by Villa last summer having impressed during his stint at Hull City, with Unai Emery seemingly keen to try and integrate him into his first-team plans again.
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However, it’s been a difficult season for the talented winger thus far, as he’s been limited to just 15 appearances across all competitions, and has yet to contribute either a goal or an assist.
With competition for places fierce in that area of the Villa squad, Philogene has been forced to bide his time, and although his work ethic and sacrifice for the team has made a positive impression when he’s been involved, he hasn’t been able to make a impact in the final third as he looks to be lacking confidence and consistency.
In turn, Emery conceded last week when speaking to the media in his pre-Leicester City press conference that a loan exit could be a possibility in the January transfer window, but now Fabrizio Romano reports that Everton are in talks with Villa over potentially signing Philogene on a permanent basis.
On one hand, selling another top prospect to another Premier League club doesn’t sit entirely well as Philogene is undoubtedly talented, and could end up shining with the Toffees.
That said, if it gives us additional space in the squad and financial strength to go out and sign a top target that is better suited to Emery’s system and style of play, then it would make sense for us to do that in order to become increasingly competitive in both the immediate and long-term future.
It remains to be seen if progress is made in discussions between the two clubs as it doesn’t sound as though an agreement is imminent as of yet, but if Villa are able to get a significant transfer fee for Philogene, it could be a move that suits all concerned as we’re likely to be active this month in trying to improve Emery’s squad.
