Ajax consider move to sign Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey before deadline – report
By Isabel Crofts.
Ajax are keen on bolstering their squad with the addition of a forward before deadline day on September 1 and have an interest in Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, according to the Daily Mail.
The Eredivisie reigning champions are on the search for a talented attacker to replace 22-year-old Antony, who is reportedly undergoing medical tests ahead of a move to Manchester United.
Ajax will receive around £84 million in total for the Brazilian’s transfer, but look to have stalled in their push to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech as a replacement.
In recent days, the Dutch side had held talks with former player Ziyech, who left the club for Chelsea in 2020. However, an agreement is looking less likely by the day, as Chelsea have set a £37.5 million price-tag on the 29-year-old – essentially pricing Ajax out of a deal.
Alfred Schreuder’s side have since opened talks with Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos. They are negotiating personal terms, according to Fabrizio Romano and he has named the deal a “work in progress.”
Reputable Dutch reporter Mike Verweij has also shared that Ajax are considering making a move for Bailey. Verweij named him as a “serious option” for the club, but noted that the English side may be reluctant to let the player leave this close to deadline day, which would leave them struggling to find a replacement.
Bad news for Villa fans.
Despite picking up a 2-1 win against Everton, Villa have had an undoubtedly dismal start to the 2022/2023 Premier League campaign.
Steven Gerard’s side sit 15th in the league table and have only managed to pick up three points out of the 12 on offer to them.
Their fixture list looks concerning for a team on the back of two defeats, as they face three top six sides in their next games; Arsenal, Manchester City and Leicester City.
Losing a talent like Bailey would only dampen their hopes of turning their season around and giving the Villa Park faithful something to celebrate, as he is one player that is able to make difference on the pitch with his skillful ability.
The lucrative promise of Champions League football, as well as domestic silverware in Amsterdam, could be enough to see the Jamaica international push for a move in the coming days.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton believes Ismaila Sarr would have been a good signing for the club.