Hutton shares what he’s heard about Unai Emery and Jhon Duran ‘friction’ at Aston Villa
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park.
Alan Hutton says he is aware of rumours suggesting there is possibly some “friction” behind the scenes at Aston Villa between Unai Emery and Jhon Duran.
Colombia international Duran has struggled for starts since arriving at Villa Park from MLS side Chicago Fire in an £18million deal last January [BBC Sport].
The 20-year-old has made 25 Premier League appearances for the Villans over the past 12 months, but each of those have come via the substitutes’ bench.
According to a report by the Daily Mail on Friday (5 January), Duran “has not always seen eye to eye with Villa boss Unai Emery” and the surprise Premier League title contenders are open to offers this month.
Clubs in Italy and Spain are said to have shown an interest, including Serie A heavyweights AC Milan, and the report suggests Villa would prefer Duran to depart on an initial loan basis.
Asked about the speculation surrounding Duran, and talk of Villa being in for Hellas Verona forward Cyril Ngonge to provide competition for Ollie Watkins, Hutton told Villa News: “I keep hearing rumours of Jhon Duran not getting on with the manager, but I don’t know how true that is.
“Is there a bit of friction? I’ve seen AC Milan linked and other teams, but I like him as a player.
“I think when he’s come in he’s done well, he’s been robust and scored the odd goal here and there.
“He’s still young, still learning and still rough, but they do need somebody in to help Ollie Watkins as well.”
“I think the Ngonge rumours show Emery’s after a back-up for Watkins. But is he the guy who’s going to come in and play week in and week out? I don’t think so.
“He’s another option up top. It’s very difficult in January to bring in top targets, but he’ll want to bring in someone to lighten the load.”
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton has shared what John McGinn told him about an exit-linked team-mate.