Ollie Watkins was absent from Aston Villa’s matchday squad for the Brighton encounter, though he is not presently making the journey to Saudi Arabia to finalise a switch to Al-Hilal.
Sources indicate Villa remain inclined to retain the forward, with no deal yet agreed for his departure.
Al-Hilal are anticipated to submit a fifth offer for Watkins, having seen four previous attempts rejected as they fell short of Villa’s asking price for the striker. Their most recent approach was believed to be in the region of £45m.
The England international is understood to be receptive to the move, attracted by the substantial wages available in the Saudi Pro League.
In the build-up to Villa’s opening game of the season at the Amex Stadium, manager Unai Emery fielded questions from Sky Sports regarding Watkins’ non-appearance. Emery responded by saying the team is here to focus on today’s match and that there is nothing to discuss.
Should Watkins depart, Villa have expressed interest in Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who previously collaborated with Emery during the Spanish manager’s tenure at Villarreal before transferring to Stamford Bridge in 2023.