Watkins' departure would cut deepest - and Villa did not see it coming

Last year, it was Emi Martinez looking to leave for Manchester United . When asked about the Argentina goalkeeper's absence from last season's opening league match against Crystal Palace , head coach Unai Emery just repeated replacement Marco Bizot's name several times.

Twelve months on, for their Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday, Ollie Watkins was the name to make Emery bristle.

"This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence," he said, when asked why the striker was not included.

That Villa lost 4-0 - conceding all four in a calamitous opening 31 minutes before having debutant Joao Gomes sent off - merely added added to the perceived insult.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have had four offers rejected for Watkins - whose time at Villa now appears to be at a tumultuous end.

Al-Hilal, who have offered close to £40m, are not near to Aston Villa 's asking price. As next Tuesday's transfer deadline nears, Villa will play hardball for their all-time record Premier League goalscorer.

A deal is still believed to be some way off, even if Emery revealed last week the striker could leave.

Al-Hilal, who signed Crysensio Summerville from West Ham in July , are likely to need to move one of their overseas players to make room for Watkins, despite loaning Darwin Nunez to Diriyah last week, so there are other moving parts in the deal.