Chelsea step up interest in Bailey

Leon Bailey is closer to playing for a top European football club as Premier League giants Chelsea have stepped up their interest in the Bayer Leverkusen winger with a view to signing him this summer, according to London newspaper Metro.

The 20-year-old has sparked the interest of a number of top clubs in Europe after an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen, where the Phoenix Academy product scored nine times in 30 appearances.

Some of Bailey's suitors include Premier League champions Manchester City, Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich and Champions League winner, Real Madrid.

According to Metro, City has tapered their pursuit for the Jamaican-born winger as they close in on a deal for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.

This, according to Metro, has created a window of opportunity for Chelsea and it is reported that the club's interest in Bailey has increased dramatically.

Bailey was spotted in London last week, fuelling speculation that he could be set for a move to the Premier League.