The father of Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey admits he wanted him to join Ajax.

Bailey helped Villa defeat Ajax in the Europa Conference League last week. But he twice could've joined Ajax in 2017 and 2022.

Dad Leon Butler told Votebal International: "Bailey was indeed already in the picture at Ajax, but also at Genk, to whom I eventually sold him. Ajax did want him, but not according to the agreements that were in place.

"We were always very close, but the final push from Ajax was missing. I would have liked to see it happen. Who knows how it would all have turned out, but we stand by the choices we made. In retrospect, it was the steps that were necessary.

"Leon's transfer to Aston Villa has turned out well. He's doing well and he loves the fans. Who knows where Leon would have been now if he had gone to Ajax, because Ajax has produced great players worldwide. If Leon had signed with Ajax, he would probably have been sold for a lot more money, but money isn't everything."