The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update on their chase for Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith's side have earmarked the Jamaica international as a key target this summer as they look to reinforce their wide options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Preece has now delivered an update on where things stand at the moment regarding the 23-year-old during a Q&A for The Birmingham Mail.

He said: "Not too sure when Jack's back; clubs are expected to give players at least 3 weeks off, meaning latest Jack will return will be August 2. Alvarez has gone quiet; Villa very much in for Bailey with club yet to meet Leverkusen's asking price.

"Leon Bailey is an exciting deal that can be done. Tough to say if Villa will meet Bailey's valuation but, in the end, I think they will. Bailey seems to be top target at present, as far as I understand."

Fans will be buzzing

Preece's suggestion that Villa will eventually meet Leverkusen's demands for Bailey and wrap up a deal for the exciting Jamaican is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

The 23-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga last season, netting 15 goals and providing another 11 assists in just 40 games in all competitions, including five goals in eight Europa League outings.

Bailey is still relatively young but has plenty of top-level experience playing in the German top flight and also in European competition, and he seems like the sort of signing who could elevate Villa to a new level, both in terms of their quality on the pitch and their profile off it.

Given that they've already beaten Arsenal to the signing of Emi Buendia, Villa could send another statement of ambition by landing someone like Bailey.

It's exactly why Preece's latest update on the situation is sure to have left fans delighted.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing this Brazilian ace...