Aston Villa are eyeing a sensational move for Bayer Leverkusen attacker Leon Bailey which could cost them around £30 million.
According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are set to continue their outlay in the transfer with a sensational move for Leon Bailey. The Bayer Leverkusen attacker is interesting the Villans, who are ready to spend around £30 million to acquire the Jamaican international from the Bundesliga side.
Aston Villa had a mixed bag season after finishing in 11th position. They were bright against some of the division’s biggest teams while showing a lack of character against beatable sides. Dean Smith has seen his side’s remarkable attacking talent and remains keen to improve his options in this transfer window.
Considerable problems in attacking areas need addressing heading into the next season. Egyptian star Trezeguet is still recovering from a knee injury, while the futures of Anwar El Ghazi and star man Jack Grealish remain in doubt. While Grealish is the subject of a big move to Man City, El Ghazi is also attracting a lot of interest from Italy.
Smith is evaluating his options and is targeting another wide attacker to bolster his forward ranks. Having already signed Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City earlier in the window for a deal going up to £40 million, Smith wants another player with goals and assists in his game.
Villa also saw two bids for Emile Smith Rowe rejected by Arsenal, with the 20-year-old set to sign a bumper new deal at the Emirates in the coming days. Ashley Young was signed on a free transfer, and now Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey has become a key target.
The Jamaican enjoyed his best-ever season in Germany, scoring 15 goals and providing 11 assists as Leverkusen finished in the 6th spot. Bailey has two years to run on his current deal; a sale could be imminent to further his career and also for the German outfit to cash in at the right time.
Premier League links are nothing new for Bailey after endless stories of a move to England popping up over the last few years. However, this might be the year he makes a move across, and Birmingham might be the city waiting for his football. Leverkusen reportedly wants somewhere between £25-30 million, something Villa can spend.
Bailey would certainly complement Smith’s attacking players perfectly. He generally plays as a right-winger but is equally apt on the left and solid through the centre. One could say his profile is a little similar to Grealish’s and could be his long-term replacement.
Previous Premier League links have always been to top-six clubs, although Villa has the pull to attract some top players such as Bailey. The Leverkusen star will certainly be a good fit for the English league and the Midlands side as they enter the season to finish as high as possible.
