Aston Villa are continuing their work in the summer transfer market after the signings of Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young.
Villa smashed their transfer record to land Buendia from Norwich in a deal that was formally confirmed in June.
Young’s return to Villa Park on a free transfer was then completed with the club keen to press on with more business in the coming weeks.
With that in mind, here is a round-up of the latest news and speculation from in and around Villa Park:
Bailey transfer made 'complicated' due to rival suitors
Villa's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey has been made "complicated" because of interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Villa have been strongly linked with the Jamaican international, who is tipped to leave Germany this summer with a move to England looking a good bet.
Dean Smith's side are currently at the front of the queue for Bailey and, according to 90min, have held talks with the player's representatives and his club.
But they report that Villa's hopes are being complicated by Leicester City, Southampton, Everton and Wolves who are all showing an interest in the £25m-rated wideman.
The pricetag has not deterred Villa who are keen to bolster their attacking options as they push for European qualification next season.
Villa sign another West Brom youngster
Villa have confirmed the signing of West Bromwich Albion academy prospect Finn Azaz for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old had been at the Hawthorns since the age of nine where he stayed for 11 years.
Never featuring for West Brom’s first-team, the midfielder headed out on a season-long loan spell to former League Two side Cheltenham Town in August 2020.
“I’m really excited to get going. I can see the direction the clubs wants to go in, and I can’t wait to be part of it,” said the youngster.
The Villa signing will be loaned out to Welsh League Two outfit, Newport County where he will spend the 2021/22 season.
Man City told to move for Villa target Abraham
Manchester City have been urged to move for Villa target Tammy Abraham instead of sealing a blockbusting move for England captain Harry Kane this summer.
Pep Guardiola is lining up a stunning switch for Spurs striker Kane, even though Tottenham insist they are not selling their talisman.
But City, who have also been linked with a move for Villa skipper Jack Grealish, are unlikely to be undeterred in their pursuit of the forward as they look to replace Sergio Aguero.
However, Talksport pundit Trevor Sinclair feels £40m-rated Abraham would be better for City because he does not feel comfortable with the Premier League champions spending £160m on one player.
Asked if he would move for Abraham over Kane, Sinclair, a former City player, said: “I would, yeah. He’s a young enough player and with Pep Guardiola’s coaching ability and the teammates around him… he’s a top player.
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