Leon Bailey of Aston Villa
Leon Bailey of Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
Sevilla and Al Diriyah both are reportedly keen to sign Leon Bailey from Aston Villa in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Reports claim that a loan move is more likely at this stage, with Villa potentially putting Bailey on a new contract to retain his value.
The Jamaica international is in the final year of his contract with Villa, meaning he would leave on a free transfer next summer if he does not depart on a permanent deal this window or sign a one-year extension.
Bailey was made available for transfer this summer after struggling during a loan spell at AS Roma last season before being recalled by Villa. He was also left out of the travelling squad for the club's pre-season tour of the Far East last month.
He started just three Premier League matches last season, scoring once in 19 appearances across all competitions. During his loan spell at Roma, he struggled to establish himself as a regular in the first team.
Ahead of Villa’s match against Arsenal on Monday night, Unai Emery was asked about Bailey’s future during his press conference.
“We were expecting him to leave,” Emery said when asked about the winger on Friday afternoon. “When we left for Asia, he was close to leaving, but he is still with us now.
“Hopefully he can get a good opportunity to leave and join another club and continue his career, and this is our objective.”