Exclusive – Aston Villa’s hunt for Jamaican winger Leon Bailey has been complicated by interest from a number of other Premier League clubs.
Villa were the first to show interest in Bailey, although his current club Bayer Leverkusen were quick to describe that they wanted more than 25 million pounds.
90min understands that Villa has not been deterred by that figure and has instead strengthened his interest by entering into dialogue with both the club and his representatives.
But Dean Smith’s side is not the only Premier League kit, as Midlands rivals Leicester City are among a number of other clubs tracking the 23-year-old. Everton, Wolves and Southampton are also keen, while Bailey has previously been on the radar of the heavyweight trio Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
At this stage, there is no indication that any of the latter are prepared to take a step, even though Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are looking for another move forward and have had talks with Watford about Ismaila Sarr.
Bailey, who previously asked England coach Gareth Southgate whether he was eligible to play for the Three Lions, are currently with the Jamaican squad for the Gold Cup, although their tournament is now over after a 1-0 defeat to the United States in Monday’s quarterfinals. .
He will concentrate on his own future when he returns to Germany, and sources close to the player have said 90 minutes that Bailey thinks it’s time to leave Leverkusen – after spending four years at the club after joining Belgian Pro League team Genk.
Bailey can play anywhere over the top three / Pool / Getty Images
Bailey has two years left on his deal, and it is believed that Leverkusen will sanction a move if they can pocket north of 30 million pounds for a player who can play anywhere over the front line. His preference is believed to be a move to the Premier League.
If Villa can not get a deal completed, they can turn their attention to Norwich’s Todd Cantwell – who is back in the top flight after helping the Canary Islands win promotion from the championship last season.
