Ollie Watkins exit stance revealed as Aston Villa talks to begin
Ollie Watkins could be edging closer to an Aston Villa exit.
The striker didn't feature once in pre-season after spending the summer at the World Cup with England.
He hardly played for the Three Lions, but was still afforded four weeks holiday by Unai Emery.
That saw him miss out on the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, and has raised questions about his future.
There has been a general feeling that the 30-year-old could be on his way out of B6 this summer.
Watkins looks to have made a call on his time at Villa Park as interest builds elsewhere.
Watkins opens himself up to transfer talks
The number 11 has been a constant source of goals ever since stepping through the doors in the Midlands.
That hasn't been without it's frustration, as the most recent campaign proved.
There has been plenty of rumours in that time that he could make a move elsewhere.
That has never happened and he has stuck around as a regular for Emery.
Things could change this summer as Watkins has given the green light to departure discussions.
Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari reported on Sunday that the Englishman has "given the ok" to a transfer to Al Hilal.
Talks are now said to be underway with Villa as the Saudi Pro League side eye a move to make the ex-Brentford man their next striker.
Victor Osimhen is seen as the dream target in the Middle East, but the B6 forward remains in their thoughts.
How much should Aston Villa demand for Watkins?
There has been plenty of exit links surrounding the 1995-born ace throughout the past year.
Last summer, there was a price tag of £60million set after his 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.
That will likely be less this time around, but after 26 goal involvements across all competitions, he is still worth a fair amount.
Villa should demand upwards of £30m and even closer to £40m if possible.
That would provide them with a great opportunity to find a replacement, should Watkins move to Saudi Arabia this summer.