Aston Villa star Jhon Duran reportedly handed out gifts to his team-mates and club staff ahead of a proposed exit to Saudi Arabia. The forward is expected to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Pro League side Al-Nassr in a blockbuster £63million transfer.

Duran was an unused substitute for Villa's 4-2 victory over Celtic in the Champions League. The 21-year-old watched on as Morgan Rogers struck a hat-trick and Ollie Watkins scored to put the Villans into the knockout rounds of the European competition.

He has played a back-up role for much of this season, with Watkins preferred as Villa's centre-forward. That is despite Duran scoring a goal, on average, every 89 minutes in the Premier League this term.

In his post-match interview, head coach Unai Emery dodged questions over Duran's future. However, TNT Sports report that the Colombian was spotted handing out gifts to his team-mates and other club staff in the Villa Park tunnel. It is a sign that Duran is preparing to leave the club over the coming days.

“Tomorrow we can speak about the transfers. Maybe even next week," Emery told TNT Sports.

"I don’t want to speak before it’s done. In football, anything can happen. The club is working. We need some players and sometimes players can leave. It is not time to speak out.”

The Villa boss was then asked about Watkins' future, with the forward the subject of a reported bid by Arsenal. “I told you today is not the day," the Spaniard said bluntly.

Speaking later, Emery admitted that Duran will leave if Villa receive a big fee. He said: "I don't know if Jhon Duran is leaving but if he is, it is good news for us because he is leaving because it is good money. It is for the club, the players and the team.

"I don't know if he will leave or not. Watkins is our striker."

Watkins, who scored Villa's third goal against Celtic and then missed a penalty, is reportedly wanted by Arsenal. It is widely claimed that the Gunners made an opening offer for the 29-year-old. Villa have rejected the offer and Emery's comments seem to suggest that the club will continue to fend off interest.

Villa are into the knockout rounds of the Champions League thanks to a dramatic triumph over Celtic. Rogers scored twice inside the opening five minutes, only for Adam Idah to peg back the hosts with two goals before half-time.

Watkins put Villa back ahead before scuffing a penalty. The England forward then assisted Rogers' hat-trick-sealing goal in the final moments.