‘Bids made today’ - Aston Villa forced into corner as £122m offered for Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran

Villa are looking increasingly likely to sell one of either Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran before the transfer deadline with substantial offers received for each striker today.

It was understood as recently as the weekend that Villa were not interested in even entertaining the thought of either player departing this winter but football moves quickly and money certainly talks.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed this evening that Arsenal have seen a shock bid of £60 million rejected by Villa for Watkins. The Gunners - eager to bolster their attack following a season-ending injury for Gabriel Jesus - were previously thought to be keen on Duran but have instead made an approach for his striking counterpart.

Watkins, signed from Brentford for £28 million in September 2020, has been a tremendous servant for Villa so far. The England international has scored an impressive 80 goals and made 34 assists in 200 games across all competitions for the Villans. The 29-year-old’s ability to thrive in the channels but hold up play when required make him an appealing option.

Jhon Duran ‘on verge’ of huge exit

On the Duran front, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr are remarkably said to be closing in on a €75 million (£62.8m) deal for the wonderkid forward. Romano has made a bombshell report tonight suggesting the Saudi club - the home of Cristiano Ronaldo - are ‘on the verge’ of a verbal agreement with Villa.

Formal steps are said to be required as Al-Nassr are also in advanced negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface. Only one of Duran or Boniface will be signed, so an important decision must be made.

It’s rather surprising that Villa are alleged to be about to let Duran leave for such a fee as it was understood only recently that they valued the Colombian at around £100 million. West Ham United’s reported bid of £57 million - albeit refuted by Villa sources - was laughed off so letting Duran leave for just a little extra is a shock.

That is, of course, if Romano’s report is to be believed. Only time will tell but this saga - and that of Watkins - is hotting up.