Watkins missed Villa’s 4-0 loss as Al-Hilal chase £40m move
What’s next: With the transfer deadline nearing, Villa are holding out for more as the striker trains alone and weighs a Saudi switch.
Ollie Watkins was left out of Aston Villa’s squad for Sunday’s 4-0 loss at Brighton as interest from Al-Hilal intensifies and manager Unai Emery pointed the striker to explain his absence himself. Villa, already short up front with Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured, used Emiliano Buendía as an emergency striker and trailed 4-0 after 31 minutes. New signing João Gomes was also sent off on his debut. BBC Sport reported Al-Hilal have offered close to £40 million for Watkins, but Aston Villa’s asking price remains higher. The 30-year-old, Villa’s record Premier League scorer, is understood to be open to the move as the transfer deadline approaches.