Leon Bailey’s step-father speaks out over future amid recent Everton speculation
The step-father of Everton-linked Leon Bailey has spoken out over the Jamaican’s winger’s future in a recent interview with Bild.
Craig Butler, who also acts as an advisor to the 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star, told the German news outlet that “there are different interest options from the Premier League”, and that they are “checking” the options.
Everton are one of the clubs that are keen on the speedster [90min], who is eyeing England as his next step.
However, it appears that Aston Villa are leading the race for the Jamaica international after Butler revealed the Midlands side are “holding talks” over Bailey’s transfer.
Villa’s £25.5million bid has been knocked back by Leverkusen for the “exceptional” attacker, according to Bild, with the Bundesliga side wanting at least £27.8million.
Blow it on Bailey, Brands
Whatever sort of transfer budget we’re working with this summer, director of football Marcel Brands should be all over this deal.
Yes, a quality right-back is a priority this summer, while there may need to be movement in central defence and at centre-forward, if players exit Goodison Park.
But we can’t lose sight of the importance of signing a high-calibre winger.
Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray may have been recently signed but they are not the answer to our long-term problems on the wing.
Bailey would offer goals and assists, as well as pace and skill in abundance. Gray and Townsend certainly can’t lay claim to the goal and assists part over the last few years.
Villa look to be in the lead for Bailey, but the Blues should be flexing their muscles to blow them out of the water.
In other Everton news, this Blues sensation set to secure an exit to an English club after a major July development.
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