Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has declared that Ipswich Town are the favourites to sign sought-after pair Jaden Philogene and Jacob Greaves.

The Blues are understood to have completed a transfer for 23-year-old centre-back Greaves, but are still in the process of finalising a deal for 22-year-old winger Philogene. It's a double switch that could be be worth in excess of £40m with add-ons.

In an interview with the Hull Daily Mail, published early this morning, Tigers owner Acun Ilicali said of their likely destination: "Yes, Ipswich are the favourites now."

The Athletic subsequently reported that Everton submitted a £16m bid for Philogene, with his agent Ivo Camacho posting pictures of himself at the Toffees' training ground. The BBC has since added that 'it is believed the player is keen on a move to Goodison Park'.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ivo Camacho (@bertocamacho1)

 

In a follow-up article by the Hull Daily Mail, it's stated: "Sources directly involved in the deal have told Hull Live that Everton have not lodged an official bid and, as it stands, the only firm offer on the table is from the Tractor Boys and that is the one City are working on completing in the coming days.

"Suggestions from Merseyside that the Toffees have struck a deal are wide of the mark, and Portman Road is the only likely destination for the duo."

Explaining why the East Yorkshire club were cashing in on two key players, Ilicali said: "They want to go to the Premier League, which I understand and I'm sure the fans understand.

"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.

"Last year we pushed our finances to the limits. We will use both of their income. It will be used for the club."

Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years following back-to-back promotions, with chief executive Mark Ashton vowing to be 'brave and bold' and the transfer market.

So far, the Blues have signed recent loan star Omari Hutchinson for a club-record £18m from Chelsea and beaten plenty of competition to snap up right-back Ben Johnson after his contract at West Ham expired.