Watkins closes in: Al-Hilal pile on the pressure and Aston Villa freeze out their striker

The deal is getting closer

Al-Hilal have edged closer to signing England striker Ollie Watkins, with the Aston Villa forward left out of his side's squad for today's clash against Brighton as talks with the Saudi club run into the final hours of the summer window.

Renowned Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed Watkins' absence from the Villa squad and confirmed that negotiations with Al-Hilal have reached an advanced stage. That boosts the likelihood of the England striker moving to the Roshn League.

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According to Romano, Al-Hilal intend to submit a fresh offer to Aston Villa to complete the deal. Confidence is growing within the Saudi club that they can reach a final agreement with the English side's management.

Their strong position stems from a prior agreement with Watkins on personal terms. The 30-year-old has already signalled his willingness to join "the Leader", leaving Aston Villa's approval as the main obstacle to getting the deal done.

Al-Hilal have spent recent days chasing Watkins as part of their search for a new striker to bolster the front line, particularly with uncertainty still hanging over the future of France's Karim Benzema, despite the player insisting he wants to stay.

Now "the Leader" are preparing to step up their talks with Villa. They can lean on the player's desire to take on the Saudi experience, along with his exclusion from the squad, a sign the deal may be nearing completion.

The Watkins saga has entered a decisive stage. Al-Hilal have personal terms agreed, and everyone now awaits the new offer they will table and whether it can convince Aston Villa to part with their striker before the window shuts.