AdminOllie Watkins has returned to Aston Villa training after apologising to his team-mates, as Al Hilal prepare to make another attempt to sign the England international before the transfer window closes.
The Saudi Pro League club have already had four offers rejected by Villa, with their latest proposal worth £45million.
Another bid is expected this week, while a fee of around £50million could be enough to persuade Villa to sell, provided Unai Emery’s side can secure a suitable replacement.
Watkins was absent for Villa’s Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday, when they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat.
The striker had previously made it clear he wanted to leave Villa Park for Al Hilal and had not trained with the first-team squad before the game.
According to The Athletic, Watkins apologised to his team-mates at the training ground on Monday before returning to training.
Emery refused to reveal whether Watkins had asked to miss the Brighton clash. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence.”
Asked if the striker had refused to play, Emery added: “I think you call his agent and he can respond. He can only explain his answer, I can’t.”
He continued: “In the last three years, until the transfer window finishes, we have had problems like we are having now.”
Villa are also pursuing Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at £65million. Watkins has scored 108 goals in 278 appearances for Villa.
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