Aston Villa should be 'very happy' with Ollie Watkins deal they've agreed - Keith Wyness
Aston Villa can still find a solution over Ollie Watkins' future that leaves all parties happy.
That is according to former Villa chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the striker's actions are "understandable" to some extent.
This comes after the 30-year-old was absent from the matchday squad for Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Brighton, due to the fact that he hadn't trained with his teammates in the lead-up to the game.
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have already seen four bids for the England international rejected, but Wyness believes that Villa should be delighted if they can secure over £45million for their star.
Watkins is into the final two years of his contract with the second city outfit, and has the opportunity to secure a hugely lucrative contract in the Middle East.
Recent reports have suggested that he has already agreed personal terms with Al Hilal, who are closing in on his signature ahead of the deadline.
Ollie Watkins' actions 'understandable'
Villa's former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs - believes that some of the criticism that Watkins has faced is a little unfair.
The Scottish businessman feels that both parties should have come together to address his future far earlier this summer, rather than leaving things until the last minute.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why Villa still have the chance to secure a positive deal for themselves.
"I think there would have been a way to have handled this slightly differently than what they've done," he said.
"I think there could have been a way through it. Now, if they're going to get something over £45m for Watkins right now from Saudi, Villa should be very happy with that sort of return on a player at that age.
"Everybody can still end up happy in this situation. It's not so clear to me that this is all Watkins' fault.
"I understand that the fans are up in arms about what seems to be a player downing tools, but it's almost understandable to some degree for me, so I'm not quite as against Watkins' actions as I would have been normally."
Aston Villa turn attention to Rafael Leao deal
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Villa are considering a move to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao before the 1 September deadline.
The Portuguese has been given the green light to leave by the Italian giants, who are ready to cash in on several first-team stars to boost their coffers.
Leao is understood to be ready for a new challenge away from the San Siro, and has emerged as a surprise target for Unai Emery and Co. in the final days of the summer window.
The 27-year-old notched 10 goals and three assists in all competitions last term, and is vastly experienced in the Champions League.