Al Hilal are finalising an agreement with Aston Villa for Ollie Watkins — subject to the Premier League club securing a replacement.The Saudi Pro League side have agreed to pay £50million plus a further small amount in add-ons, and they hope he will travel in the coming days for a medical and sign a three-year contract.Earlier on Wednesday, Villa agreed a deal worth a total package of £65million to sign striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.The Athletic reported on August 21 that Villa had rejected a fourth bid of around £45m for Watkins, despite the striker pushing for a move to the Riyadh-based side.Villa have remained keen to keep Watkins at the club, though he has rejected previous informal contract offers. Villa’s most recent contract offer was an extension until 2030, with his existing terms set to expire in 2028.Watkins dd not feature in Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion, which Unai Emery’s side lost 4-0. The striker subsequently returned to training and apologised to team-mates on Monday.Emery insisted after the game that questions regarding the forward’s future were “for him and his agent”, adding: “I can answer only with my silence.”The head coach was also asked about Watkins before the game, saying that Villa “have an issue with him.”“We have offers for him,” he said. “He’s our player, I don’t want to sell him, but that can change because if it’s a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him, this is the routine we have.”Watkins appeared in all but one of Villa’s games last season, featuring 55 times and recording 21 goals and five assists as Emery’s side won the Europa League.Despite the proposed arrival of Jackson from Chelsea, Villa remain light in the striker department with Tammy Abraham injured and missing the start of the season. The Athletic also reported that 17-year-old Brian Madjo was also expected to be out until at least September. Midfielder Ross Barkley featured as a No 9 against Brighton.Watkins joined Villa in 2020 from Brentford for a then club-record fee of £28m, plus £5m in add ons. He has made 278 appearances in all competitions for the side, scoring 108 goals and providing 47 assists.Aug 26, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms