Birmingham Live
·25 Aug 2026
Aston Villa step up Ollie Watkins replacement plan with 'approach' after rejecting £45m bid
Aston Villa have approached Bayer Leverkusen about striker Christian Kofane as they prepare for the possibility of Ollie Watkins joining Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal. Leverkusen do not want to sell Kofane, while Villa are also considering Nicolas Jackson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Rafael Leão and Joshua Zirkzee. Villa rejected a £45 million offer for Watkins, and Jackson appears the likeliest alternative because Chelsea want a permanent sale. The club has raised more than £200 million through player departures but is also dealing with injury, disciplinary and performance concerns after João Gomes was sent off against Brighton.