'Hull City have sent a private jet' - Fans react to Leon Bailey news
Leon Bailey has been heavily linked with a move away from Aston Villa this summer, but things may not be as straightforward as previously expected.
Premier League new boys Hull City have been chasing the winger in recent weeks, as they work hard to strengthen their squad after promotion.
The Tigers have identified the 28-year-old as a clear target to improve Sergej Jakirovic's squad, and Villa are also keen to offload him.
The Jamaica international spent part of last season on loan at Roma, but has featured in each of the Villans' two pre-season outings so far.
He turned out for Unai Emery's side on Saturday night in their 2-1 defeat away at Porto, but was curiously substituted after just 23 minutes of that encounter.
Supporters were clear that Emery's decision was a strong indication that Bailey's move was about to go through, but that may no longer be the case.
Hull don't want permanent Leon Bailey deal
Villa fans were adamant that Bailey's substitution on Saturday night meant that his move to Hull was imminent.
Supporters took to X to make their feelings clear, with one fan joking that the newly-promoted outfit had sent a "private jet" to collect the wideman, with another questioning whether a bid had "just come in."
There were also several fans who were adamant that the cameo appearance would be the final time they saw the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man in their colours.
However, those suggestions may be premature, as it has now become clear that there is a stumbling block in Hull's pursuit of Bailey.
According to Alan Nixon via his Patreon account, the East Yorkshire outfit are only interested in a loan deal for the player.
On the other hand, Villa are looking to sell the out-of-favour star, and have already earmarked a price in the region of £12-20million, and are offering him to clubs across Europe.
Hull won't commit to that figure, and are also doubtful about a loan-to-buy deal due to their relegation fears, which puts the very possibility of Bailey's move firmly in doubt.
Aston Villa 'in serious danger' of fresh double exit
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Saturday that his former club are "in serious danger" of losing the "spine" of their team this summer.
Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have all departed in recent weeks, and there is strong speculation that a few more exits could follow.
Brown suggested that the futures of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and centre-back Ezri Konsa remain up in the air at the moment, amid strong interest in their services.
The ex-recruitment man feels that Emery and Co. could be facing a complete rebuild if the next few weeks do not go to plan for them.