Aston Villa are braced for a fourth approach from Al-Hilal for Ollie Watkins after rejecting the Saudi club’s latest £38million offer.
Al-Hilal have refused to abandon their pursuit of the England international despite Villa repeatedly knocking back attempts to secure his signature.
Watkins remains open to completing the move, increasing the pressure on Villa as another proposal is anticipated.
Daily Mail reporter Simon Jones reports that Villa expect Al-Hilal to make a fourth bid for the 30-year-old.
Aston Villa expect another Ollie Watkins bid
Al-Hilal’s persistence means Watkins’ future remains one of Villa’s biggest transfer issues despite the club’s desire to retain him.
Read Aston Villa reported on Wednesday morning that Villa had rejected a £38m offer for Watkins.
That proposal was worth around €45m including add-ons and followed two previous approaches from the Saudi side.
Villa have now rejected all three attempts.
However, Al-Hilal are expected to return once again as they try to find a package capable of convincing Villa to sanction Watkins’ departure.
The striker’s position adds another layer to negotiations.
Watkins is understood to be open to joining Al-Hilal, while Villa must also consider their ability to secure a suitable replacement before allowing one of Unai Emery’s most important attackers to leave.
Villa’s previous rejection suggests Al-Hilal will need to make a significant improvement on £38m if they are to change the club’s stance.
Watkins remains under contract at Villa Park until 2028 and scored 21 goals in all competitions last season.
For now, Villa continue to resist.
But with a fourth bid anticipated and Watkins receptive to the move, Al-Hilal are showing no sign of allowing the transfer saga to end.
