West Ham United are convinced of Jhon Duran’s desire to make a move this month after Aston Villa knocked down a bid for the Colombian striker.
According to TBR Football, West Ham United think Jhon Duran wants to leave Aston Villa this month and join the London club. The Colombian striker has struggled to make himself a vital starter, and while he might want to make a switch, Aston Villa are adamant there is not enough time to find a replacement.
Jhon Duran’s case at Aston Villa is strange, given how popular the striker is among the fans and that he signed a new long-term deal until 2030. Despite penning the recent agreement, the Colombian’s future has become a significant subject of speculation, and a bid from West Ham United last week was proof of his discontent.
The Hammers failed with a second bid thought to be in the region of £57 million to £60 million depending on various sources. The fact that West Ham decided to bid indicated their positive talks with Duran’s camp in the background, as a club would only make an offer if they were encouraged by the player in question.
While Aston Villa were reportedly open to considering big offers earlier, their stance may have changed lately, as the Hammers have taken Duran off the market. With Aston Villa rejecting a second offer from the Hammers, it is clear that they do not want to sell him this month, with suggestions they feel there is not enough time to find a replacement for the striker, who is valued at around £75 million.
West Ham, on the other hand, feel the £75 million-rated Aston Villa star wants a move to the London Stadium this month. Duran’s secondary role in the team has been a primary source of frustration for the striker, as he is unable to usurp Ollie Watkins in the setup under Unai Emery.
West Ham United looking at alternatives
The Hammers will feel the disappointment of not signing Duran last summer and in this window. Graham Potter does need a striker immediately as they only have Danny Ings as a recognised No.9 due to long-term problems with Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug. West Ham are keen to sign Evan Ferguson on loan but await Brighton & Hove Albion’s final decision on the Irish striker’s immediate future.
Noah Okafor is the latest to be linked with a move to West Ham, as Potter is desperate to land a new frontman. As for Duran, the likelihood of another bid from the Hammers seems slim, as Aston Villa will stick to their stance on the forward and keep him on board until the summer.
