Aston Villa announce Leon Bailey transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and hope to tie down Jack Grealish to new deal

ASTON VILLA have signed Jamaican winger Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen.

But they still want to tie Jack Grealish down to a new deal.

Villa have landed 23-year-old Bailey - who is friends with Raheem Sterling and Usain Bolt - from the Bundesliga outfit and tied him down to a four-year deal.

They had an offer in the region of £30million accepted at the end of last month.

And they are still hoping to keep England hero Grealish - who may still consider signing a bumper new Villa deal, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

A club statement read: "Aston Villa is delighted to confirm the signing of Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen.

"The 23-year-old has completed his medical and agreed personal terms on a deal until 2025.

"Bailey, who has 10 international caps for Jamaica, has scored 39 goals and had 22 assists in three-and-a-half seasons for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.

"As well as playing in both the Champions League and in the Europa League."

Head Coach Dean Smith said: "Leon is a hugely exciting young striker with great pace and creativity.

"He has enjoyed a successful career at Leverkusen and we are now looking forward to watching him show his skills and talents for Aston Villa in the Premier League."

'BARGAIN JADON SANCHO'

Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan were all said to be keen on Bailey - who put English clubs on red alert in December by signing up to Will Salthouse's British agency firm.

A return of 17 goals last season in all competitions helps explain why, with Dean Smith likening him to a 'bargain' Jadon Sancho.

Bailey helped Leverkusen qualify for the Europa League last term and has been a mainstay in their team for the past four years.

He has become Villa's second big-money signing of the summer following the addition of Emi Buendia from Norwich for £38m.

But his arrival has not put Villa off trying to keep Grealish.

The 25-year-old returned to Villa training on Monday after his post-Euros summer break.

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