Aston Villa Report

Jacob Tanswell

#SaintsFC have rejected new verbal offer from #AVFC for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.Improved proposal on previous £18m+add-ons bid but both clubs still in negotiations. Villa pursuing other CB targets simultaneously, having made contact with Club Brugge for Joel Ordonez.@theat

AVFC The Religion

Aston Villa is interested in Fikayo Tomori, who is leaving Milan. Talks are ongoing, with Villa also evaluating other defensive targets. Tomori likes the Villa destination. Milan can pocket 10-15 million for him. @lucabianchin7

Jacob Tanswell

Ollie Watkins has not trained with #AVFC's squad in recent days after making clear his intentions to leave. Unai Emery avoided clarifying whether the 30-year-old refused to play against Brighton & if he feels let down. Story @theathleticfc.bsky.social https://www.nytimes.com/athl

John Townley

Unai Emery: "We made some mistakes. It was a strange moment that we had, conceding four goals. It's not normal. We were lost a little bit emotionally. After the first half, we spoke in the dressing room about how we react and that we never give up before now." #AVFC

John Townley

Aston Villa insist they are not close to an agreement with Al-Hilal over the sale of Ollie Watkins, with Unai Emery telling reporters to ask the striker's agent about his absence from the squad against Brighton. #AVFC https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/

AVFC The Religion

Unai Emery on Ollie Watkins' absence: "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence." Did he refuse to play? "I think you call his agent and he can respond." Do you feel let down? "He can only explain his answer, I can't." @johntownley11 #AVFC

John Townley

Unai Emery asked if the window should shut before the season starts: "Always. Not just now, always. We are one club who find it hard every year." #AVFC

John Townley

Unai Emery: "In the last three years, until the transfer window finishes, we have had problems like we are having now. The players here today are keeping the mentality I want for the team. Not complaining or blaming, even with a tough result today." #AVFC

John Townley

Unai Emery on injuries: "Manzambi is starting to work on the field. Maybe he will need two weeks more to join us. Madjo has a small injury and I think he can start training with us too, but will need some days more. Tammy Abraham has an injury too." #AVFC

John Townley

Unai Emery on Ollie Watkins' absence: "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence." Did he refuse to play? "I think you call his agent and he can respond." Do you feel let down? "He can only explain his answer, I can't." #AVFC