'Speak to his agent': Unai Emery on Ollie Watkins' Aston Villa absence | OneFootball

Unai Emery said only Ollie Watkins or his agent, Paulo Vernazza, could explain why the striker missed Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton on Sunday, adding: "I can only answer with my silence."

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the Villa boss left little doubt Watkins is trying to force his way out after his absence. Al-Hilal have had four bids rejected and the forward is keen on a move to Saudi Arabia.

With Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured, Emery started Emi Buendia up front at the Amex. He would not say whether the 30-year-old refused to play, instead directing questions to the player or his representative. "I think you call his agent and he can respond," he said.

Asked if he felt let down given their success together, Emery replied: "He can only explain his answer, I can't."

The uncertainty around Watkins threatens a chaotic finish to an already frantic window. Villa and Emery remain determined to keep the striker and, publicly at least, are standing firm despite his wish to depart.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a potential target. Germany international Leon Goretzka is expected to have a medical in the coming days ahead of joining on a free transfer. Villa have enquired about Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as they seek a replacement for Ezri Konsa, after a rejected bid for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”