Aston Villa are reportedly demanding around £55million for Ollie Watkins as Al-Hilal prepare to increase their offer for the England striker.
The Saudi Pro League club remain in talks with Villa after seeing their latest proposal of around £38million fall short.
Watkins has already agreed personal terms and remains willing to make the move despite Villa attempting to convince the 30-year-old to stay.
TEAMtalk reports that Aston Villa are looking for around £55million, although sources close to negotiations believe a package closer to £50million could ultimately be enough to secure an agreement.
Aston Villa set Ollie Watkins price
Al-Hilal have made several approaches for Watkins this summer and are now preparing to improve on their most recent £38million offer.
The new valuation provides Al-Hilal with a clearer indication of the level required to change Villa’s position.
TEAMtalk says talks between the clubs remain active, with Al-Hilal increasingly confident that they can complete a transfer if the gap in valuation is bridged.
Villa have also attempted to retain Watkins.
The striker has reportedly been offered a new four-year contract, but he remains prepared to move to Saudi Arabia after agreeing personal terms with Al-Hilal.
Watkins currently has two years remaining on his Villa contract.
Nicolas Jackson remains Aston Villa replacement option
Villa are already preparing for the possibility of losing their leading striker.
Nicolas Jackson remains a long-term target for Unai Emery, who worked with the Senegal international at Villarreal.
Read Aston Villa previously reported that Jackson had emerged as Villa’s preferred striker option.
Chelsea are prepared to sanction a permanent departure for Jackson, while Villa would be unable to sign him on loan because Alejandro Garnacho has already joined from Stamford Bridge on a temporary deal.
Watkins’ future therefore appears to be approaching another important stage.
Al-Hilal know Villa’s reported asking price, Watkins is willing to make the move and an improved offer is being prepared.
Whether they can get close enough to the £50million to £55million range could now decide whether Emery loses another key starter this summer.
