‘Medical passed’ amid shock Tottenham Hotspur enquiry for £32M Aston Villa star

Tottenham Hotspur has taken decisive steps in their pursuit of Leon Bailey, making an official inquiry to Aston Villa on Sunday evening. The club is actively exploring options to strengthen their attacking depth, particularly in wide areas.

While Villa remains hesitant to part ways with Bailey on a permanent deal, they are reportedly open to a loan arrangement following the high-profile arrivals of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United and Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham has formally engaged in discussions with Villa to understand the conditions required to secure Bailey’s services.

Manchester United has also expressed interest, having initiated talks with Villa officials during their recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The future of Bailey now hinges on Villa’s decision-making in the final hours of the transfer window, as Chelsea’s reluctance to release João Félix has limited Villa’s ability to pursue alternatives.

Bailey’s tenure at Villa under Unai Emery has been inconsistent. At times, he has showcased the brilliance that justifies his €38 million valuation, while at other moments, his performances have been underwhelming.

This season, the Jamaican international has struggled to make a significant impact, registering just one goal and three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.

However, his previous campaign painted a different picture, with Bailey playing a crucial role in Villa’s attack. He contributed 10 goals and nine assists in 35 Premier League matches, while also adding two goals and four assists in 11 Europa Conference League games, cementing his status as a key figure in multiple competitions.

While Bailey’s future remains uncertain, Aston Villa has already taken significant strides in bolstering their squad. The club is on the verge of securing Marco Asensio on loan from PSG, with the Spanish international having already passed his medical.

The deal will keep him at Villa Park until June, with the potential for an extension depending on his impact. Reports suggest that discussions between Villa and PSG progressed smoothly, leading to a finalized agreement late on Saturday evening.

As part of the deal, Villa will cover Asensio’s entire salary for the next six months, ensuring his integration into Emery’s system without financial complications.

Unlike Rashford, Asensio’s move does not include an option for a permanent transfer in the summer. Instead, the 29-year-old joins Villa on a straightforward loan deal aimed at helping the club secure a top-four finish in the Premier League and advance deep into the UEFA Champions League.

His experience and attacking prowess could prove invaluable as Villa competes on multiple fronts in the second half of the season.

Asensio brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree, having represented Spain on 38 occasions. Since joining PSG in July 2023, he has contributed seven goals and 11 assists in 47 matches.

His prior tenure at Real Madrid was even more impressive, where he amassed 61 goals and 32 assists in 286 appearances. Over eight years at the Santiago Bernabéu, he secured three UEFA Champions League titles, further establishing his credentials as a player capable of performing at the highest level.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Tottenham’s pursuit of Bailey remains a key storyline. If Spurs can convince Villa to sanction a deal, the Jamaican winger could offer additional firepower to a squad in need of attacking reinforcements.

However, the competition from Manchester United could complicate negotiations, making the final hours of the window critical for all parties involved.

Villa, on the other hand, appears to be strategically reshaping their squad to enhance their competitiveness. The arrivals of Rashford and Asensio provide Emery with attacking options that could elevate the team’s performance in domestic and European competitions.

The club’s willingness to explore loan deals suggests a cautious approach to long-term commitments while ensuring immediate improvements to their squad depth.

As the clock winds down on the transfer window, Tottenham’s determination to land Bailey will be tested. Villa must decide whether to retain the winger or capitalize on the opportunity to reshape their attacking lineup with new acquisitions.

The coming hours will reveal whether Spurs succeed in their pursuit or if Bailey remains a part of Villa’s plans for the remainder of the season.