Reports suggest Reggae Boyz and Aston Villa attacker Leon Bailey is on the verge of completing a £25 million transfer to Saudi Arabian newcomers NEOM this week. The 27-year-old Jamaican forward’s agents have already held initial discussions with the Pro League club, with Bailey reportedly poised to earn up to £10 million a year, tax-free.

Bailey was a key player in Villa’s squad during their Champions League qualification last season but has since fallen out of favour under manager Unai Emery. This campaign, he started just 14 Premier League games and made 10 substitute appearances, contributing one goal and two assists.

His reduced playing time has been influenced by the rise of youngster Morgan Rogers, the arrival of Marcus Rashford, and a series of minor injuries that hampered his season.

Bailey’s potential exit adds to growing speculation around goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s future at Villa Park. The Argentine World Cup winner was seen in tears after Villa’s final home game, sparking rumours that he too may leave this summer.

When questioned about both players’ futures before the season finale, Emery said: “Now we are focused on the matches we are playing. It is the last match here, I don’t know, we will see. We will see about the team and the players.”