Aston Villa have reportedly reached 'a verbal agreement' with Leon Bailey over a new contract.
In August 2021, Villa paid in the region of £30m to secure the services of the in-demand winger on a four-year contract.
During his opening stint in the West Midlands, Bailey failed to replicate the form that he had shown during his days with Bayer Leverkusen.
However, in 85 appearances, the Jamaica international now has 16 goals and 15 assists to his name, with the 26-year-old's performances helping Villa develop into a club competing for Champions League football.
The 2023-24 campaign has proven to be Bailey's best yet, contributing 10 strikes and nine assists in all competitions with 13 of those coming in Premier League fixtures.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, as a result of his displays, there is growing interest in his services, including clubs who were interested before his switch to Villa.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, though, who was posting on X, Bailey is ready to commit his long-term future to Villa.
Romano says that an agreement has been agreed in principle with the subsequent paperwork to be completed in the foreseeable future.
Although the contract length has not been stated, it has been claimed that Bailey has been provided with a wage rise to coincide with his enhanced reputation.
© Reuters
The alleged development is a boost for Unai Emery ahead of a hectic period for his team, who play Chelsea in the FA Cup and Manchester United in the Premier League this week.
Villa will also soon be in Europa Conference League action, a place in the last 16 having been assured through topping their group before Christmas.
Bailey will hope to make more starts as the season progresses with just 16 of his 29 appearances, excluding Europa Conference League qualifiers, coming from the first XI.
He has also not completed 90 minutes in a Villa shirt since the 3-2 triumph over Burnley on December 30, although he was rested with the Chelsea game in mind when Villa were 5-0 up at Sheffield United on Saturday.
Darren Plant
