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Ornstein CONFIRMS Aston Villa deal that unlocks Emery favourite's return
Tom Weber
- Updated: 13 Aug 2025 16:53 BST
- 4 min read
News
AS Roma have opened talks with Aston Villa for Leon Bailey, potentially unlocking Marco Asensio's return to Villa Park.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Roma are emerging as the strongest suitors of Jamaica international Bailey, who is also fielding interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The 28-year-old is likely to leave Birmingham before the window shuts, and Roma are now in formal talks with Aston Villa. An official bid has not yet been submitted, but Ornstein describes the Giallorossi's pursuit as 'firm.'
Current ETV
Leon Bailey
F, M, AM (R)
Aston Villa
Leon Bailey
F, M, AM (R)
Aston Villa
ETV Range
€27.8M - €34M
This is a deal that could have wide-reaching implications for the rest of Villa's business before Deadline Day, as their window has so far been pretty low-key due to concerns over their compliance with the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
The Villans have so far spent just €37 million on new recruits, which is a significant departure from the lavish spending of previous years. Bailey's departure, in conjunction with Jacob Ramsey's imminent move to Newcastle, would give them more room to manoeuvre, potentially enabling them to bring back a familiar face.
Aston Villa want to re-sign Asensio
According to Ben Jacobs, Villa have restarted negotiations with PSG over a deal for Marco Asensio, who already spent the second half of last season in the Midlands.
The former Real Madrid star impressed during his brief spell at Villa Park, scoring eight goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, although his attacking contributions dried up towards the end of the campaign.
Asensio has no future in Paris, and PSG are actively looking to sell the 29-year-old. A move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia initially looked to be on the cards, but this hasn't materialised to date.
This has, in turn, allowed Aston Villa to return for the Spaniard, after initially being hesitant to make his stay permanent due to their uncertain financial situation in the wake of missing out on Champions League football.
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