Reports in France now claim that St Etienne are one side who are eager to conclude such a deal before the deadline and, as such, have opened talks with Villa. Their president Ivan Gazidis was responsible for hiring Emery in his role as CEO of Arsenal in 2018, when tasked with succeeding the departing Arsene Wenger.

The deal for the Colombian star is ‘expected to rise significantly with bonuses given the “huge money” available to clubs in Saudi Arabia’ with ‘the fee has been described as “too good to turn down” both for Villa and Duran, and he is set to officially become an Al-Nassr player in the coming days.’

Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed permanent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. An agreement in principle has been reached between Villa and their Saudi Pro League (SPL) counterparts worth €77million (£64.

Listen to Sportsound and follow live text updates of Celtic's final league phase fixture in the Champions League against Aston Villa.

Another absorbing "Battle of Britain" is in store today in the UEFA Champions League, between Aston Villa of the English Premier League and Scottish champions Celtic. Both sides need a win to boost their hopes of automatic qualification for the last 16.