Aston Villa transfer news: 'Talks opened' with Italian giants over Leon Bailey sale

Aston Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of selling Leon Bailey.

Since the winger appeared to wave goodbye to supporters towards the end of 2024-25, speculation has persisted regarding his future.

With Jacob Ramsey being on the brink of signing for Newcastle United, the perception was that the chances of Bailey departing the West Midlands had reduced.

However, according to The Athletic, Villa remain willing to cash in on the Jamaica international with an Italian club expressing an interest.

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Which Italian club want Bailey?

The report suggests that Roma are in discussions with their Villa counterparts over adding Bailey to their new-look squad.

Gian Piero Gasperini's arrival at Stadio Olimpico has coincided with six new signings being made, and a seventh could follow in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Fabio Silva.

Nevertheless, it seems as though Roma have their sights set on another Premier League player with a loan proposal with an obligation to buy the most plausible option.

Roma have allegedly emerged as the most likely destination for Bailey if terms can be agreed between the two clubs.

That is despite teams from Turkey and Saudi Arabia both indicating that they would like to sign the 28-year-old.

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Do Villa need to sell Bailey?

With just three days remaining before their first Premier League fixture against Newcastle United, Villa could benefit from having Bailey in their squad.

That said, the chance to generate a significant fee for a player closing on his 30th birthday, who also has just two years left on his contract, could prove too good to turn down.

Bailey only contributed one goal and two assists from 24 Premier League appearances last season and is no longer viewed as a first-choice pick.

Meanwhile, the player himself may be ready for a fresh challenge having chipped in with 22 goals and 24 assists from 144 matches in all competitions across a four-year period.