'Speak to his agent' - Unai Emery responds to Ollie Watkins' Aston Villa absence

Unai Emery left little doubt Ollie Watkins is trying to force his way out of Villa after the striker missed Sunday’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton.

The Villa boss said only Watkins or his agent, Paulo Vernazza, could provide a reason for the England international’s absence, declaring: “I can only answer with my silence.”

With Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham missing through injury, Emery had to name Emi Buendia up front at the Amex.

Watkins, the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, has been the subject of four rejected bids from Al-Hilal and is keen on a move to Saudi Arabia, though Villa sources insist no deal is close.

Emery refused to discuss whether the 30-year-old had refused to play, instead batting every question toward his player.

"I think you call his agent and he can respond,” he told journalists.

When asked if he felt let down by Watkins, considering the success the pair have achieved together, he responded: "He can only explain his answer, I can't."

The uncertainty around Watkins risks causing a chaotic finish to what has already been a frantic transfer window.

Villa and Emery have been determined to keep the striker and at least in public are standing firm, despite his now obvious desire to depart.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a potential Villa target, while Germany international midfielder Leon Goretzka is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days ahead of joining on a free transfer.

Villa have enquired about Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez as they hunt a replacement for Ezri Konsa, after seeing a bid rejected for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis.