Jhon Duran, Aston Villa striker, has made a strong indication that he plans to sign with West Ham during the summer transfer window.
According to rumors from Colombia last month, Chelsea and Villa had reached an agreement to sell the 20-year-old for £42 million.
But even though Chelsea was granted permission by Villa to speak with Duran, the Colombian international’s attitude still worried the club, so they conducted background checks in addition to not agreeing on personal conditions.
17 months ago, Duran signed a £18 million contract to join Villa from MLS outfit Chicago Fire, but he hasn’t been able to establish a consistent spot on the squad.
Last season, Duran started just three games in the Premier League with Unai Emery preferring Ollie Watkins as his first-choice striker alongside Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby, who joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad earlier this week.
Duran on IG live ⚒️👀 pic.twitter.com/oKSvPv0Qpw
— muamar (@friendorfou) July 26, 2024
But it now appears Chelsea have lost out in the race to sign Duran as in a live video on Instagram on Friday night, the striker suggested that a move to West Ham could be on the cards.
Wearing a white vest, Duran smiled as the did the cross with his hands – a gesture West Ham fans and players often use.
Speaking earlier this week, Duran’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, revealed West Ham’s interest in the Villa striker.
‘There is great interest from West Ham, talks have been held with them and with the club,’
‘We will see what happens in the rest of the market.’
Speaking last month, Herrera suggested that Duran was unhappy with his lack of playing time at Villa.
‘He is a player who has a contract with Aston Villa, he ended up doing very well and the coach is counting on him, it is a club that, having got into the Champions League is a great opportunity, but we know he wants to play, he wants to go out and play, we are going to see,’ Herrera told El VBar Caracol.
‘Now the market is opening up, the club is looking at some options and so are we.’
West Ham have completed two signings this summer in 18-year-old Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme, who joined in a £25m deal from Palmeiras, and Max Kilman, who was signed for £40m from Woves earlier this month.
Julen Lopetegui replaced David Moyes as manager and begins his reign as West Ham manager at home to Aston Villa on August 17.