Aston Villa open talks over forward set to leave after being told he ‘won’t play again’

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Aston Villa have opened talks with Roma over the sale of forward Leon Bailey, TBR Football understands.

As Jacob Ramsey heads to Newcastle for a permanent transfer, Villa also look to be moving on winger Bailey.

TBR Football understand Villa want to move Bailey on in order to free up money for new signings late in the transfer window.

Villa have signed Evann Guessand who can play across the front line, while they also want to bring Marco Asensio back after his successful loan spell last season.

Leon Bailey set for Aston Villa exit as Roma loan talks open

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey says Unai Emery has decided Leon Bailey won’t play for the club again and talks have started with Roma over a loan move.

He said: “Bailey is that one player who Villa have been looking to move on all summer. Unai Emery has not been happy with his progress since he signed his new deal in 2024 and that is a big reason.

“Villa and Emery want Bailey out the door, he is not staying and won’t play for the club again. They also want him out now as it will give them a chance to spend that money in this window.”

Bailey was told earlier in the summer he could leave Villa, who are now talking about a loan move with Roma which would include a possible obligation to buy him next summer.

Bailey also has interest from the Saudi Pro League but has thus far been reluctant to look at that, which is the same as Jadon Sancho.

Leon Bailey exit could open up Aston Villa return for Marco Asensio

Villa will see midfielder Jacob Ramsey join Newcastle and Bailey’s exit will free up further wages and space in the squad for more attacking arrivals.

TBR Football understand Villa ‘really like’ Asensio and have gone back to the forward who impressed last season.

Asensio, 29, scored eight goals and added a further assist in 21 games on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last season. His goals helped Villa to the Champions League quarter finals but he returned to Paris at the end of the season.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the Parc des Princes next summer, so any move this summer would spell the end of Asensio’s time in Paris.