Aston Villa reject £38m bid from Al-Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa have rejected a £38m offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for England striker Ollie Watkins, despite the player reportedly agreeing personal terms.
The 30-year-old forward has now been the subject of three separate approaches from the Riyadh-based club.
Unai Emery’s side turned down the latest proposal on Tuesday evening but are bracing for a further improved bid.
Saudi side push for agreement
The prolific attacker did not feature during pre-season and missed last week’s Uefa Super Cup fixture against Paris St-Germain.
He was granted extended leave following his international exertions at the World Cup alongside team-mates Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez.
Al-Hilal, currently managed by former Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi, are reportedly looking to offload ex-Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez to accommodate the Englishman.
Villa squad undergoes major rebuild
The Midlands club have already sanctioned the departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne for a combined £159.5m this summer.
In terms of incomings, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to join on loan from West Ham United to bolster the defence.
They have also agreed a £30m fee with Parma for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, although regular first-choice keeper Martinez remains at the club following collapsed talks with Juventus.
Uncertainty surrounds Premier League opener
It remains to be seen whether the former Brentford talisman will be included when Villa travel to Brighton for their Premier League opener on Sunday.
The English international, who registered 21 goals across all competitions last season, recently signed a new contract running until 2026.
Despite heavy interest from Manchester United and Arsenal last year, the Midlands outfit remain determined to retain their star forward ahead of a pivotal Champions League campaign.