Aston Villa reject three Al-Hilal bids for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa have rejected three offers from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins.

Villa turned down the latest proposal of about £40m for the England international late on Tuesday night but are aware that there could be another improved bid.

Watkins, 30, has not featured in pre-season for Villa after being granted extended leave following his participation in the World Cup.

Villa have been relaxed about the £33m signing’s future but Al-Hilal are making a serious attempt to prise him away from the Europa League winners.

Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne have already departed this summer, while there are also doubts about the futures of Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martínez.

Konsa remains a priority target for Premier League champions Arsenal, but the two clubs have been far apart on valuation.

Martínez’s future appears bleak as Villa put the finishing touches to a £30m deal for Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The Japan international began his medical on Monday morning.

Martínez was close to leaving Villa last year amid interest from Manchester United and was lined up to move to Juventus, but the Italian club’s valuation of the Argentina international was considered too low by Unai Emery’s side.

Losing Watkins would represent another blow to Villa’s head coach, despite his determination to embark on a new cycle by rebuilding his squad. Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 and has scored 108 goals, including 16 in the Premier League last season.

Villa are close to signing West Ham United defender Aaron Wan Bissaka after striking an agreement with the Championship club.

Wan Bissaka will join on an initial loan with Villa agreeing an obligation to sign him permanently for £18m depending on various contingencies.

Villa kick off their Premier League season this weekend with a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.