Manchester United are exploring the possibility of securing Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey as they seek reinforcements in attack before the January transfer window closes.
With Marcus Rashford on the verge of finalizing a loan switch to Aston Villa, United are actively searching for a replacement. The England international is set to join Villa on a temporary deal until the end of the season, with the Birmingham-based club agreeing to cover 70 percent of his £325,000-a-week wages.
Furthermore, Villa have negotiated an option to make Rashford’s move permanent in the summer, with a reported transfer fee of £40 million.
United have already expressed interest in Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel as a potential attacking addition, though the young forward recently declined an offer from Tottenham Hotspur. However, according to The Athletic, Bailey has emerged as another potential target for Erik ten Hag’s side, with a loan move being considered if Aston Villa are open to letting him leave.
The 27-year-old Jamaican international was one of Villa’s standout performers last season, registering 10 goals and nine assists in the Premier League. However, his form this term has been less prolific, contributing just one goal and two assists in league play so far.
Bailey joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 for a fee of £25 million and has been an important part of Unai Emery’s squad.
Following Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Saturday night, Emery acknowledged the club’s need to reinforce their squad before the transfer window shuts.
“We need to replace Diego Carlos, Emi Buendía, and Jhon Durán,” Emery stated. “It’s not easy because we don’t want just any replacements—we want players who can truly improve us. We are being selective and strategic.”
Villa have already taken steps to strengthen their squad, reaching an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Marco Asensio on loan for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Rashford is scheduled to undergo his medical on Sunday as he prepares for his move to Villa Park.
