
West Ham United have launched a £57 million offer to sign Aston Villa star Jhon Duran, according to The Athletic.
However, Villa are expected to turn down the Hammers’ bid, as they have no intention of selling the Colombian footballer in the ongoing transfer window.
West Ham are desperate to add a striker before the transfer deadline.
Summer arrival Niclas Fullkrug recovered from an Achilles injury, but it wasn’t long before he picked up a hamstring injury that is expected to keep sidelined for several weeks.
Meanwhile, Michail Antonio was involved in a horrific car crash in December, ruling him out for at least a year.
Danny Ings is an option for Graham Potter’s side, but he isn’t a reliable goalscorer.
Potter featured Mohammed Kudus as a number 9 in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. But that is not his natural position and he struggled to have an impact in the game.
Excellent signing
Duran started his career at Colombian side Envigado before joining Chicago Fire.
His impressive displays for the MLS outfit landed him a move to Aston Villa in a deal worth £18 million in January 2023.
The 21-year-old has since gone from strength to strength at Villa Park, emerging as one of the best young centre-forwards in the English league.
Duran has scored 20 goals in 76 appearances across all competitions.
The Colombia international has been playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins, who is currently Unai Emery’s main striker. Still, he has already scored an incredible 12 goals in 27 total appearances this season.
Duran would be an excellent signing for West Ham, but they are unlikely to acquire his services in the January transfer window.
Villa might be open to a sale in the summer, but they are expected to demand a huge transfer fee for the talented player.
Stats from Transfermarkt
