Reported Everton and Tottenham Hotspur target Leon Bailey is ‘ready’ for a move away from Bayer Leverkusen, his adoptive father Craig Butler has told the Jamaica Star.
The explosive winger is not even a guaranteed starter at the Bayer Arena these days, falling behind Moussa Diaby in Peter Bosz’s pecking order, but that has not stopped the scouts from flocking to North-Rhine Westphalia.
Sport1 claim that both Tottenham and Everton watched Bailey in action during Leverkusen’s 1-0 Europa League last-16 victory over Rangers.
The Jamaica international only came off the bench to play the final 22 minutes on the night however and his lack of game-time, coupled with football’s ongoing financial crisis, means a staggering price-tag has been reduced substantially.
Sky claim that a bid of £25 million might now be the trick.
“The time (for a move) is always right whenever there is a good offer. He (Bailey) has been at Leverkusen for two and a half years. We will speak with Leverkusen and see where they are at, but it’s time to look at what is out there,” says Butler, who worked as Bailey’s agent until he hired Aidy Ward.
“We need to speak with the (interested) clubs and see the packages they are offering. So we are weighing everything, but we have to look at what is there, we cannot ignore it.
“We have interest and communications going on in Italy and England. Leon and I are contemplating our options.
“Leverkusen are open to good business, so if a move makes good business for Leverkusen, Leon and myself, then it will work well for everybody. So if the funding is there and the terms are correct, then he will move.”
Everton’s desire for a winger with an impressive goalscoring record is well documented and, according to the Express, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are leading the race for his signature.
Bailey might have started just 12 Bundesliga games last season but, on his day, he is still capable of moments of breahtaking quality, particularly from dead-ball situations.
The 23-year-old produced nine goals and six assists in his 2017/18 breakthrough season.
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