Unai Emery speaks out on Aston Villa duo's future

Duran is expected to undergo a medical on Thursday ahead of an anticipated £65million move to Al-Nassr.

Emery said that move would be in the best interests of everyone involved should it go through but Villa want to keep Watkins, who was subject of a rejected £60m bid from Arsenal.

The England international scored in Wednesday’s 4-2 Champions League win over Celtic just hours after that story emerged.

Emery said: “I don’t want [to sell]. It is good news to have offers from other clubs. 

“We want to keep our sporting objective through the players we have in the squad. Every player can be in the market if it is good for the player and the club. To get this deal we are going to be demanding. Watkins is our striker.”

Emery said he didn’t know if “everything was done” with Duran but the Colombia international is on course to leave two years after joining from Chicago Fire.

He said: “I don’t know exactly until everything is done if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is leaving it is good news for us because it means they are paying good money. 

“Because we have developed one young player in two years to get this offer. It is not only for the club, it is the club, the players and team, those circumstances can be positive for the club, the player and the team.”

Emery continued: “The club is working and we have to be intelligent and competitive, and of course when we are developing players and increasing our objectives, our targets, getting it, playing in Champions League, of course we are in the eyes for other strong teams, for other strong countries or leagues, like (Saudi) Arabia. I can feel proud of it because they are improving. 

“Our players are interesting other clubs and as well (they are) paying good money for us.”