Villa knocked back in winger pursuit; club record likely for deal

Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly rejected Aston Villa’s opening offer for in-demand winger Leon Bailey.

The Villans are known to be in the market for attacking reinforcements during the summer transfer widow. Dean Smith presided over a decent 2020-2021 campaign for the West Midlanders. But the manager is keen to push on and wants to improve his options in the final third.

Bailey would certainly do that as the Jamaica international is known as a speedy winger with an eye for goal. Not only a provider, he found the net 15 times in all competitions for Die Werkself last term.

Many clubs have been linked. Manchester United and Tottenham are said to have scouted him last season.

And Arsenal were also heavily linked with a move. However, it emerged earlier this week that Mikel Astea has concerned over the player’s attitude.

That seems to have cooled the Gunners’ interest and left Villa were at the front of the queue for his signature. Football Insider report that the Villa Park outfit tabled a £30m for the former Genk star.

That has been knocked back by the Germans who are seeking considerably more. It is not known exactly the figure they are looking for but Villa may need to break their transfer record.

That currently stands at the £33m they paid Norwich City for Emiliano Buendia. The deal could rise to £38m with add-ons, leaving Smith in no doubt as to the possible outlay for Bailey.