Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes Aston Villa kept their cards close to their chest in terms of their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey, after the club confirmed a deal was agreed on Saturday.

German outlet Bild had previously reported that Dean Smith’s side had tabled a bid for Bailey, worth £25.5m, but Leverkusen are keen to receive £29.8m for him.

Both Leicester City and Wolves had also been linked with a move for the forward, who was in impressive form for Leverkusen last season.

Bailey made a total of 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists, and he can play on both flanks as well as up front.

Villa have been aggressive in their recruitment this summer, bringing in Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City and Ashley Young on a free transfer from Inter Milan.

Jack Grealish could well leave, with reports suggesting that Manchester City have opened talks over a huge deal that could cost in excess of £100m, perhaps explaining Villa’s desire to bring in a number of new players.

Asked about Bailey, Hatfield said: “I imagine they have kept their cards close to their chest. No club really likes people knowing who their targets are, particularly months before a transfer window.

“Villa will have done their due diligence, though, they will have looked at Leon Bailey and the performances he’s put in for Leverkusen over the past couple of years, and he’s coming off a really impressive season as well. Villa have probably seen that and have probably drawn up a list of players.”