Hull City target Leon Bailey in £12m deal

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has become the subject of a transfer battle, with newly promoted Premier League side Hull City making a formal approach for the Jamaican international. The 28-year-old has been told he can leave Villa Park this summer, as manager Unai Emery continues reshaping his squad for an upcoming Champions League campaign.

Bailey, whose contract expires in the summer of 2027, has drawn significant interest, but Hull have emerged as the frontrunner. Sources confirm negotiations are ongoing between the clubs and Bailey's representatives. Villa are understood to prefer a permanent sale for the forward, valued at approximately £12 million, while Hull would ideally structure a loan deal. Despite the differing preferences, Hull remain hopeful of concluding a permanent transfer.

The player's desire to stay in England is seen as a key factor in negotiations. Remaining in the country, where his family has a settled lifestyle and his children are in school, is his reported preference. This has given Hull an advantage over foreign suitors, including Spanish club Celta Vigo and Turkish side Trabzonspor, who have also registered interest.