Aston Villa are set to reject Al Hilal's opening bid of ÂŁ38million to sign Ollie Watkins, talkSPORT understands.
The Aston Villa striker is open to a move to the Saudi Pro League outfit, who are expected to make an improved bid.
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If Watkins were to leave Villa Park, it would open the door for Unai Emery's side to reignite their interest in Nicolas Jackson.
However, talkSPORT understands Villa are reluctant to sell the England international.
talkSPORT revealed last month that discussions had taken place with Chelsea over signing the Senegal international.
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Unai Emery previously worked with Jackson, who Chelsea value at ÂŁ65million, during their time at Villarreal.
As for Watkins, he has less than two years remaining on his current Villa deal.
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The 30-year-old joined the club from Brentford in 2020 and was part of the side which won the Europa League last season.
Watkins has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances across all competitions for Villa.
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An exit from the club this summer would leave Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo as Emery's only senior centre-forwards.
Both players are currently fitness doubts for their season opener against Brighton on Sunday, though.
Al Hilal's striker search
Al Hilal have also held talks with Harry Kane over a potential move for the England captain. However, as previously revealed by talkSPORT, he is expected to stay at Bayern Munich.
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Former Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis is playing a key role in the pursuit of a new centre-forward.
It comes amid uncertainty surrounding Karim Benzema's future at the club.
The 38-year-old joined Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on a deal until the summer of 2027.
talkSPORT understands talks were held between Benzema and the club last month over his future.
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He is believed to want a prominent role as opposed to a scenario which would see him only registered for Asian Champions League matches.
It's also understood Al Hilal could offload Darwin Nunez on loan to fellow Saudi Pro League club Diriyah this summer.
Meanwhile, Francis joined Al Hilal in a senior recruiting role at the start of July after leaving the Cherries.
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Simone Inzaghi's side have already signed Crysenzio Summerville from West Ham United this summer.
The Aston Villa striker is open to a move to the Saudi Pro League outfit, who are expected to make an improved bid.
Advertisement
If Watkins were to leave Villa Park, it would open the door for Unai Emery's side to reignite their interest in Nicolas Jackson.
However, talkSPORT understands Villa are reluctant to sell the England international.
talkSPORT revealed last month that discussions had taken place with Chelsea over signing the Senegal international.
Advertisement
Unai Emery previously worked with Jackson, who Chelsea value at ÂŁ65million, during their time at Villarreal.
As for Watkins, he has less than two years remaining on his current Villa deal.
Advertisement
The 30-year-old joined the club from Brentford in 2020 and was part of the side which won the Europa League last season.
Watkins has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances across all competitions for Villa.
Advertisement
An exit from the club this summer would leave Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo as Emery's only senior centre-forwards.
Both players are currently fitness doubts for their season opener against Brighton on Sunday, though.
Al Hilal's striker search
Al Hilal have also held talks with Harry Kane over a potential move for the England captain. However, as previously revealed by talkSPORT, he is expected to stay at Bayern Munich.
Advertisement
Former Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis is playing a key role in the pursuit of a new centre-forward.
It comes amid uncertainty surrounding Karim Benzema's future at the club.
The 38-year-old joined Al Hilal from Al Ittihad in February on a deal until the summer of 2027.
talkSPORT understands talks were held between Benzema and the club last month over his future.
Advertisement
He is believed to want a prominent role as opposed to a scenario which would see him only registered for Asian Champions League matches.
It's also understood Al Hilal could offload Darwin Nunez on loan to fellow Saudi Pro League club Diriyah this summer.
Meanwhile, Francis joined Al Hilal in a senior recruiting role at the start of July after leaving the Cherries.
Advertisement
Simone Inzaghi's side have already signed Crysenzio Summerville from West Ham United this summer.
Related Coverage
- SPORTAston Villa reject three Al-Hilal bids for Ollie Watkins â The Telegraph
- Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins agrees to join Saudi side in shock transfer â LiveScore
- Not Harry Kane: Al-Hilal opens its coffers for England striker â Goal.com
- Aston Villa set to reject formal offer from Al Hilal for Ollie Watkins â nytimes.com
