Aston Villa to ‘definitely let Leon Bailey go’
Aston Villa are “definitely” open to offers for Leon Bailey ahead of the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Saudi Pro League sides have expressed an interest in luring the 27-year-old away from Villa Park.
The winger has struggled for game time under Unai Emery and has suffered with injury issues over the course of the season, raising concerns about his long-term future.
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in February that Villa plan to accept offers for Bailey in the summer transfer window.
The right-hand side has been a source of frustration this season and has become a priority to strengthen as the club aim to continue their recent success.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Villa plan to sell big-name players such as Bailey as part of plans to overhaul Emery’s squad in the off-season.
Aston Villa to sell Leon Bailey and sign new winger
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 30 April that Villa want to sell Bailey and replace him with a new wide forward as they aim to strengthen their squad.
The Jamaica international has made 37 appearances across all competitions this season, with 25 of those coming from the start, but has started just one league games since January.
The arrivals of Donyell Malen, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio forced him further down the pecking order and he is no longer thought to have a future at Villa.
Instead, Emery’s side will look in the transfer market to find new wingers and the money from Bailey’s sale will be reinvested into the first-team squad.
Brown told Football Insider on 1 April that Villa want to sign Chelsea star Noni Madueke as they aim to replicate the success of Rashford on the opposite wing.
Liverpool and Arsenal race to sign Ollie Watkins
Along with Bailey, a number of other high-profile players have been linked with moves away from Villa Park ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 April that Liverpool are tracking Ollie Watkins’s situation as the 29-year-old has grown frustrated with his role in recent weeks.
The England forward is under contract at Villa Park until June 2028 after penning his last deal 18 months ago, but is having doubts about his future.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Arsenal remain keen on signing Watkins after they saw an offer turned down in the January transfer window’s closing stages.
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