Hull City vice-chairman Tan Kesler says they're protected in their deal for Jaden Philogene.
The midfielder joined the Tigers last summer for 5m from Aston Villa, with Villa having a buy-back clause worth 15m. However, Villa would have to match any offer of more than 15m if they were re-sign Philogene.
Kesler said: "He's not their (Villa) player, he's a Hull City player for sure, that I can tell you for sure.
"I've been open from the beginning and also you need to know, that if we promote Villa have agreed to a buy-back but only if we promote and we're in the Premier League.
"They still have to agree with the player and they still have to match, and this is very important, they still have to match if we receive another offer. I think when the time comes, it would be a hefty deal for Villa to get him back, but they're our friends so I'm not saying anything that I shouldn't be saying here."
