Al Hilal agree personal terms with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins

Al Hilal have reached an agreement on personal terms with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they consider a move for the England international, with the Saudi club looking to make him their new attacking leader in place of Karim Benzema.

Transfer specialist Sasha Tavolieri, reporting for Sky Sports, says there is a possibility Watkins could move to Al Hilal. The 30-year-old has already agreed terms with the Saudi club, although no formal offer has yet been made to Aston Villa.

Al Hilal’s interest comes as they seek to end their association with Benzema. Head coach Simone Inzaghi is understood to believe the experienced France striker should leave the club this summer.

However, the process of moving Benzema on is not straightforward. His current contract means Al Hilal must find a solution with the Saudi Pro League, while the player wants to receive the full value of the remaining year on his deal. At present, there does not appear to be an agreement close to being reached.

While Al Hilal focus on resolving Benzema’s future, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery appears satisfied with his existing options in the central striker position. Those choices include Watkins, Tammy Abraham and 17-year-old Brian Madjo.

Other than the expected departure of Abraham, Aston Villa are not currently anticipated to make a change in the number nine position. That situation could alter, though, if the club receives an offer for Watkins which would be difficult to reject.

A bid of about £60m, for example, could persuade Emery to revive his interest in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, whose market value is believed to be around the same figure.

For now, Watkins is expected to start for Aston Villa against Brighton in the opening round of the Premier League season on Sunday. His likely involvement underlines the fact that no formal transfer proposal has been submitted by Al Hilal at this stage.

Aston Villa do have a possible alternative within their squad. Madjo showed promising potential during last week’s UEFA Super Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain, giving Emery another developing option in attack should Watkins eventually leave.

Watkins has scored 108 goals and provided 47 assists in 278 appearances for Aston Villa, establishing himself among the club’s leading modern players. His record has made him a significant figure at Villa Park since joining the club, although his contract situation could influence the club’s approach to a possible sale.

The striker has only two years remaining on his current agreement with Aston Villa. That limited period could force the club to adopt a flexible position over his future if Al Hilal, or another interested side, makes a substantial offer.

For the immediate future, however, Watkins remains set to lead Aston Villa’s attack against Brighton. Any potential move to Al Hilal will depend first on the Saudi club submitting an official offer and on the outstanding issues surrounding Benzema being resolved.