Aston Villa are believed to be close to sanctioning Leon Bailey's exit to Roma on a loan deal with purchase option.

The Jamaica international, aged 28, has been with Villa since 2021, making 144 appearances and shining in the 2023/24 season in particular when he scored 14 times in all competitions to help secure a fourth-placed finish and Champions League qualification. He has two years left on his contract.

But he was left out of Villa's squad for the opening day draw with Newcastle United and the Italian press are expecting his arrival in Rome on Monday to finalise his switch. Gazzetta della Sport claims there will be a loan fee of €2 million and an option to buy of €23m.

Unai Emery said in his pre-match press conference on Friday: “He is not available for tomorrow because as we

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