West Ham United have joined Liverpool and Manchester United in the hunt for highly-rated Colombian attacker Jhon Duran.
According to The Sun, West Ham United have joined the chase for John Duran. The 18-year-old attacker is a highly-rated prospect from Chicago Fire in the MLS. Manchester United and Liverpool are also in the race, and a move to England seems imminent for the Colombian prodigy.
John Duran is a highly-rated teenage striker currently plying his trade with Chicago Fire in the MLS. His impressive displays with the American outfit have been the hallmark of their season. While the club endured a disappointing campaign, they might take the money for the 18-year-old attacker.
Premier League clubs are increasingly looking at the US market for prodigious talents. The idea is to bring them at a tender age and develop them into future stars. England is an attractive place to further one’s career, although nothing is guaranteed in this ultra-competitive atmosphere.
For instance, Arsenal are chasing Facundo Torres from Orlando City, while Leeds United are monitoring Sebastian Driussi from Austin FC. While these are young, raw talents, there is a good chance the English clubs can nurture them well and develop them into top stars.
Duran is considered in that category, but the interest in the 18-year-old attacker is unprecedented. Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing the Colombian teenager. The report suggests that his parents had already visited England in the autumn to meet with interested clubs.
Whether those meetings were held with Manchester United and Liverpool remains unknown. However, there is considerable interest in the 18-year-old attacker from England. West Ham United have reportedly joined the chase along with Fulham to sign Duran in January.
The Hammers are a particularly good option for youngsters, considering there is plenty of room for regular minutes. The report claims Duran is advised to snub the advances of bigger sides like Manchester United and Liverpool and join a mid-level or smaller team to aid his development.
Where West Ham fall in those categories is a question. David Moyes could certainly remain open to adding a player of Duran’s quality and will hope to help the teenager learn from the likes of Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca.
