Aston Villa’s search for another striker could play a major role in whether Ollie Watkins is allowed to leave after Al-Hilal saw a £38.5million offer rejected.
Watkins remains keen on completing a move to Saudi Arabia, but Villa and Al-Hilal are yet to reach an agreement over the England international.
Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas says Villa’s attempts to find a replacement are also expected to factor into the club’s final decision.
Ollie Watkins Aston Villa exit may depend on replacement search
Villa rejected Al-Hilal’s €45m package after the Saudi club stepped up their pursuit with a formal proposal.
Read Aston Villa reported on Wednesday morning that the £38m offer had been rejected, with Al-Hilal expected to continue pushing for the striker.
The latest update provides another clue over what Villa may require before sanctioning a departure.
Watkins scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and remains central to Unai Emery’s attack. Allowing him to leave without another senior striker secured would create a major problem only days before the Premier League campaign begins.
Villa have already explored alternative attacking options.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a move to Villa Park, while the club have also made an enquiry for AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku.
Neither move is currently complete.
That leaves Villa balancing Watkins’ desire to join Al-Hilal against their own need to protect Emery’s squad.
Al-Hilal must still improve on an opening proposal Villa have deemed insufficient, but the size of any second bid may not be the only issue.
Villa’s progress towards securing another forward could now become increasingly important as they decide whether Watkins remains at Villa Park.
