Aston Villa have rejected an opening bid worth around £38million for Ollie Watkins, but Al-Hilal are preparing to return with an improved offer for the England striker.
The Saudi Pro League side formally stepped up their pursuit of Watkins after previously making approaches to Villa over a potential deal.
Villa have now knocked back that opening proposal, but the transfer saga is far from over.
Al-Hilal are expected to make another offer, while Watkins is understood to be open to completing a move to Saudi Arabia.
Aston Villa reject Ollie Watkins bid
The development represents another significant turn in a rapidly moving transfer story.
Al-Hilal initially submitted a package reported at around €45m including add-ons, approximately £38m, after Watkins had already indicated a willingness to consider the move.
Villa have now rejected that proposal.
Read Aston Villa reported on Tuesday that Watkins had agreed terms over a potential Al-Hilal transfer, although Villa subsequently made clear that they wanted to retain the striker.
Their refusal of the opening offer reinforces that stance.
However, Al-Hilal are not expected to walk away.
The Saudi club are preparing an improved proposal as they continue their search for a new striker, leaving Villa facing the possibility of another significant decision before the transfer window closes.
Watkins’ willingness to make the move increases the pressure surrounding any fresh bid.
The 30-year-old remains one of Unai Emery’s most important attacking players and losing him immediately before the Premier League campaign would leave Villa needing to reassess their forward options.
Villa are therefore holding firm for now.
But with Al-Hilal preparing to return and Watkins open to the transfer, the saga appears set for another decisive development.
