Aston Villa fans have been handed an exciting transfer update about their side's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey.

What's the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Dean Smith's side are eyeing up a swoop for the Jamaican winger this summer as they look to bring in some new faces ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign next month.

And now, The Express and Star's Matt Maher has said: "The clubs are currently in talks over a deal but while Leverkusen accept the 23-year-old is likely to move on this summer, they will not let him go on the cheap.

"Bailey, who scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season, has emerged as one of Villa’s top targets as they look to bolster their attacking ranks. Boss Dean Smith also has a serious interest in Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and it is thought Villa are prepared to make one more big-money signing."

Fans will be buzzing

The £31.5m-rated Bailey enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga last season, bagging an impressive 15 goals and providing another 11 assists to boot too.

Ajax's former youth coach Ronald de Boer once said of Bailey: "He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points."

And, having been involved in signing him in the first place, Leverkusen's sporting director, Rudi Voller, added: "He's got extraordinary pace, he's very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department."

Villa fans will rightly be buzzing at the news that the club have opened talks over signing Bailey, with the tantalising prospect of seeing him line up alongside the likes of Jack Grealish and Emi Buendia in a fluid front three just behind Ollie Watkins something to get very excited about.

The fact that Villa are being aggressive in the transfer market - having of course looked to sign Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe - is a real indication of just how keen they are in taking that next step in the Premier League.

Fans will be very excited with how things are shaping up at Villa Park this summer.

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