Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Perhaps the very real pain at this potential Ollie Watkins break-up is the reason for the difficulties.

The 30-year-old has 108 goals in 278 games for Villa after joining from Brentford for a then-record £28m and has been synonymous with Villa's rise of the past six years.

The triumphant night in Istanbul, when Watkins helped Villa end their 30-year wait for a trophy as they beat Freiburg to win the Europa League, currently stand as a crowning glory.

His departure would be the most emotional of this summer's big exits - as while Ezri Konsa's influence was crucial, Watkins' goals, work-rate and nature made him one of Villa's poster boys.

He is a grounded and family-orientated individual who enjoys the occasional game of golf but always focuses on his football.

But he has been in this position before, although at a lower level.

Having initially been left out by Paul Tisdale at Exeter amid interest from Derby in 2017, he pleaded with the manager to play and came off the bench to score in a win against Wycombe.

Given he has that attitude and desire, those at Villa are surprised at how the relationship with Watkins is ending. It was not expected to be like this.

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Al-Hilal, who have offered close to £40m, are not near to Aston Villa's asking price for Ollie Watkins. As next Tuesday's transfer deadline nears, Villa will play hardball for their all-time record Premier League goalscorer.

A deal is still believed to be some way off, even if Emery revealed last week the striker could leave.

Al-Hilal, who signed Crysensio Summerville from West Ham in July, are likely to need to move one of their overseas players to make room for Watkins, despite loaning Darwin Nunez to Diriyah last week, so there are other moving parts in the deal.

Watkins has been training on his own, having returned from an extended break following the World Cup and is understood to have made his feelings clear to the Villa hierarchy about moving.

There have been no public comments from Watkins or his representatives but he is understood to be open to the move.

They have also kept quiet about Emery's response - particularly his enigmatic "silence" answer to Sky Sports' question on why his striker was not involved at Brighton, which appeared to lay the blame at Watkins' door.

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Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport reporter

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Nick: Why haven't Liverpool put their attention on a top young right winger, like Rayan, instead of chasing left-sided Bradley Barcola?

They've known since May that Mohamed Salah was leaving and, change in coach or not, Liverpool look neglectful and desperate leaving it to the last week (especially with the other issues).

Rayan is simply not available having only joined Bournemouth in January. Neither he, nor the Cherries, would accept a move. It's clear there is a bit of a shortage of achievable top level winger signings in the transfer market so they are coming at a premium.

Aadam Patel
Football Reporter

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Jack: Are Liverpool any closer to agreeing a fee with PSG for Barcola? This deal has been stewing away for ages and I'm starting to lose hope.

Hi Jack, I think we're all waiting for this particular transfer to get done as it is dragging on! Talks have been continuing this week between Liverpool and PSG.

A deal could happen at any moment but for now, it looks like a case of who flinches first because the primary stumbling block is the fee.

PSG are seeking a fee of £135 million for the French winger, which would break Liverpool's transfer record but Andoni Iraola's side are more willing to do a deal closer to the £100m mark.

Let's have a look at how things stand at some of the other Premier League clubs by answering your questions, starting with Liverpool's pursuit of Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.

Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport reporter

Ayyoub Bouaddi's ability to step up has been a constant throughout his burgeoning career.

The platform may have been even greater at the World Cup, but the unfazed teenager has relished competing against older players for much of his life.

He became the youngest footballer to ever play for Lille when he made his senior debut against KI just a few days after turning 16 in 2023.

He was serenaded by those inside the Stade Pierre-Mauroy after helping Lille defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League on his 17th birthday.

He then broke a record held by Eden Hazard after making 50 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille at the age of just 18.

It is already quite a CV but what has struck former Lille teammate Olivier Giroud, in particular, is Bouaddi's willingness to take advice on board.

His "perfect team-mate" knows he is far from the finished article.

"He's a proper box-to-box player, but he needs to improve some things, like his finishing," Giroud said.

Image source, Getty Images

Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ayyoub Bouaddi has been studying for a mathematics degree in his spare time and previously won an oratory competition after delivering a speech at Elysee Palace.

He was always a little different.

Former coach Sofiane Khair knows that only too well after seeing Bouaddi take some of his first steps in the game at Creil.

"Ayyoub didn't have a PlayStation or a Nintendo DS," he said. "When he wasn't playing, he stayed at home reading books or doing his homework.

"He never had fast food, either. When we went to tournaments, he was the only kid who did not eat burgers or pizza.

"He's the same now as he was when he was 10."

Anyway, back to Manchester City's new teenage sensation Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Did you know that he has been studying for a mathematics degree in his spare time while playing for Lille?

If he's as quick with his feet as he is with his mental arithmetic, City could have quite the talent on their hands!

Speaking after his loan move from Chelsea to Crystal Palace was confirmed a short while ago, Axel Disasi said he was "very happy" to join a club that was moving in a "good direction".

"I think it was the right place for me to keep going," said the defender.

"I know that it's very tough to play against Palace at Selhurst Park – so I'm looking forward to being on the other side now!"

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea.

The 28-year-old France international has moved to Selhurst Park on a season-long loan and will bolster the club's defence after centre-back Chadi Riad was stretchered off during Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Everton.

After falling out of favour at Chelsea, Disasi has spent time on loan at Aston Villa and West Ham in recent seasons.

Image source, Getty Images

We have another completed deal to bring you from the Premier League.

This time it is Crystal Palace who have been active in the transfer market after defender Chadi Riad suffered a nasty-looking injury against Everton last weekend.

Manchester City

Manchester City's director of football, Hugo Viana said: “Ayyoub’s potential is extremely high - a player equipped with everything a top midfielder needs.

“At just 18, he already has outstanding football intelligence and that will only improve under the guidance of [City manager] Enzo [Maresca].

“We have watched him very, very closely and throughout that process we have become increasingly convinced he is a huge talent who will thrive at City.

“We are really happy he has joined us and our job now is to ensure we provide him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.”

The Morocco international has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Etihad.

Image source, Manchester City

Ayyoub Bouaddi is widely-regarded as one of the world's most exciting young players.

After making his senior Lille debut three days after he turned sixteen, the Moroccan midfielder established himself as a key player and made 96 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

Aged 18, he has already made eight senior appearances for Morocco, and attracted the attention of the world with an outstanding midfield display against Brazil at this summer's World Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City

French football journalist Djibril Diop added: "Bouaddi's trademark move is taking the ball on the half-turn and basically progressing with the ball and beating his man with a drop of the shoulder.

"You can give him the ball in tight spaces, and he will worm himself out of it.

"The reason City paid up for such a young player is because he has maturity beyond his years."

French football journalist Djibril Diop, speaking to BBC Radio Manchester:

"Ayyoub Bouaddi had one dazzling game against Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. After that, he faded a little bit.

"That's where I'm a bit cautious about how good he is right now. There's no doubt how good he will be in the future. Manchester City are paying for the potential. They are not paying for how good he is right now.

"His playing style would fit everywhere because he is a press-resistant midfielder. Once you have that durability, you can play anywhere and everywhere.

"He is suited to the Premier League, but he probably would be more suited to the Spanish league because of possession and how he operates in midfield.

"I still think he can make an impact at Manchester City, but I don't think he is going to make an immediate [one] like people think."

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City

On joining Manchester City from Lille, Ayyoub Bouaddi said: "This is a very special day for me and my family.

"Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game.

"I've watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners - this club feels like it's built to win.

"The squad is world-class and Enzo is a top manager. And I’m really looking forward to playing at the Etihad Stadium, in front of all the fans.

"I have plenty of improving to do. I am only 18. I am happy with the progress I have made so far, but I also know I can improve so much. This is undoubtedly the best place for me to do that.

"This club demands trophies and I will give everything to make sure we are challenging for every title."