Town boss Kieran McKenna says the deal to sign Jaden Philogene is not yet complete as far as he’s aware.
The 22-year-old was at the club yesterday and we understand passed his medical with the clubs having agreed a fee of £22 million plus add-ons on Wednesday. The player has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Asked about the situation, McKenna said: "There’s nothing to say, really. He’s an Aston Villa player first and foremost and there’s no deal or completion, as far as I’m aware at the moment. Until that changes, or if that changes, I’m sure the club will announce.”
Philogene won't now be available for the Blues for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Bristol Rovers with the deadline for him to have signed today having passed.
Asked whether he expected any ins or outs before the weekend, McKenna said: "You never know. Things can move sometimes a bit quicker than what you expect and sometimes a bit slower than what you expect.
"It's not really where my focus is at the moment. It's on the group, and we've had a good week's training, getting ready not just for Bristol, but we know the turnaround after this game is pretty quick for Brighton and then Man City as well.
"So we've had a good week's training and a good focus and we're looking forward to Sunday and what's coming up next.”
Regarding the Blues’ interest in 19-year-old Liverpool forward Ben Doak, who is on loan at Middlesbrough, McKenna kept his cards close to his chest.
"No, again a Liverpool player on loan at Middlesbrough, so no comment from us on that.”