The Premier League striker switches that could happen before deadline day

Ollie Watkins 

Watkins' omission from Aston Villa's matchday squad on Sunday looked like the final nail in the coffin of the England man's career at Villa Park as he closed in on a move to the Saudi Pro League. 

At 30 years old, the chance of a major payday with Al-Hilal was an obvious attraction for the player and the deal looked to be heading towards completion to see another big name exit the Villans. 

However, it now appears that the forward may have cooled on the transfer and has allegedly apologised to his teammates for missing the embarrassing opening day defeat to Brighton. 

Yet, it still feels there's another twist in the tale and it would still be no surprise to see Watkins actually leave the Midlands and embark on a new adventure in the Middle East. 

Liam Delap

It's surely only a matter of time before Delap rubberstamps his departure from Chelsea following a difficult season in West London. 

With his number nine shirt already moved on to Joao Pedro, the striker is said to have been of interest to several Premier League clubs this summer, but it sounds like Nottingham Forest may have won the race. 

Forest have reportedly agreed a deal for the 23-year-old and won the race ahead of Everton and Newcastle. 

Given Delap has some similar attributes to those of Chris Wood, it would give the Midlanders a younger upgrade and the player an ideal escape route out of Stamford Bridge. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta 

Aston Villa are in dire need of some new bodies after seeing several of their first team depart Birmingham, and Mateta is apparently on their radar. 

The Frenchman has already been close to leaving Selhurst Park, but a deal with Milan collapsed in January and he went on to help the Eagles to Conference League glory. 

However, with a new era underway in South London following the departure of Oliver Glasner, Mateta may fancy a fresh challenge. 

With Ollie Watkins' future uncertain, a switch to Villa Park feels like an ideal move for all parties. 

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Cody Gakpo

Liverpool have been strangely quiet in the transfer window and could yet be further weakened if they lose their Dutch star. 

Gakpo has been on Tottenham's wish list for much of the summer and could still make a bid despite their attacking recruitment drive from Manchester City. 

Talking of City, they have also reportedly looked at Gakpo as a potential target, further increasing the possibility that he could leave Anfield. 

If that scenario presents itself, then the Merseysiders will need to do some serious business in the final days to bolster their own squad. 

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Julian Alvarez 

Is the biggest deal of the transfer window yet to be done, with Julian Alvarez still determined to end his stint at Atletico Madrid. 

The Argentine's ideal scenario is to force a move to Barcelona, who are still keen on recruiting the striker, but Atletico are standing firm on trying to get him to stay. 

Alvarez was jeered by his own fans in the club's 2-2 draw with Villarreal, but there seems to be no compromise between the two Spanish clubs. 

Standing and watching, though, are Arsenal. The Gunners remain interested in the forward, and Atletico may be more willing to do business with the Premier League side. 

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