Aston Villa intensify move for Leverkusen ace Leon Bailey

Aston Villa are interested in signing the highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.

Villa want to sign another attacking player despite bringing in Emi Buendia from Norwich, and have seen several bids rejected for Arsenal’s Emile Smith-Rowe.

The 23-year-old Jamaica international, who has two years left on his contract, has been tracked by every top club in England over the last few seasons.

The Kingston-born forward, who is a friend of City’s Raheem Sterling, now has one year less on his contract in Germany, which expires in 2023.

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Bailey was previously eligible to play for England due to two of his grandparents holding British passports, and was being monitored by Gareth Southgate before opting to represent his native Jamaica.

Bailey has scored 39 goals and set up another 26 in more than 150 appearances for Leverkusen since signing from Genk in 2017.