Everton signed Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray to bolster the squad depth and inject pace in the Everton attack that looked lethargic at times over the course of last season. However, Rafa Benitez intends to further reinforce the flanks and is reportedly interested in signing Leon Bailey.
The Bayer Leverkusen attacker is a wanted commodity across the Premier League. Bailey is an exciting winger who has been plying his trade in the Bundesliga for four and a half years now and has emerged as an enticing player with bucketloads of potential.
The Jamaican posted his career best tally last season, netting 15 goals and assisting another 11 in 40 games. Bailey was the joint top scorer of the Bayer Leverkusen side, tied with Lucas Alario. The 23 year old has been linked with a move away from the Bay Arena since the last season with clubs like Manchester United also sending scouts to watch him. A move away has been mooted for far too long and this summer it is likely that the Jamaican will leave Die Werkself.
From the Premier League, Aston Villa, Everton, Wolves and Leicester City have all been linked with the winger. The Toffees are in the hunt for Bailey but it appears that Villa will edge out in the race.
Everton target Leon Bailey in talks with Aston Villa
According to Goal, Bailey’s stepfather has revealed that the player and Aston Villa are in talks over a move. He went onto say that there are more interested teams in the Premier League and Bailey has not yet made a decision. He’ll only change his course if everyone is satisfied.
"The clubs are holding talks. There are different interested parties from the Premier League. We are checking the options. It is important that Leon takes the right step. Therefore it has not yet been decided whether he will change this transfer period or later. Leon feels at home in Leverkusen. There will only be a change if everyone is satisfied. (via Goal)"
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As per a report from Bild, Villa have already made a bid of €30 million but the bid is still short of Leverkusen’s valuation. The difference is said to be €5 million as the German side expect at least €35 million for the 23 year old.
This could be a blow to Everton who are keen on adding another winger to their ranks. With Aston Villa seemingly the frontrunners, chances of Everton are getting dim with each passing day but as they say, in football, nothing is set in stone, and things could change every minute.
Everton boss Rafa Benitez in his first press conference did admit that they will be ambitious in the transfer market but they will have to be careful with regards to the Financial Fair Play regulations. The Toffees still want to sign a right back, preferably Denzel Dumfries, and before more big money incomings, sales will have to be made. Everton may also look at other alternatives to Bailey.
If Aston Villa win the race for Leon Bailey, which winger should Everton target?