Jhon Duran Aston Villa exit talks to ‘drag on’ as West Ham United transfer update emerges
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran’s potential transfer to West Ham United will likely “drag on” throughout the summer transfer window, according to Alan Hutton
The 20-year-old forward is understood to be a target as the Hammers look to add a new centre-forward to his ranks ahead of the start of the new Premier League season [Evening Standard, 9 July].
Reports have suggested the Irons have already agreed personal terms with Duran and even submitted an offer worth £35million with a 10 per cent sell-on clause to the Villans to try and get the deal over the line [Fabrizio Romano, 9 July].
Although the Colombian forward appears to be keen to move away from Villa Park this summer, Hutton thinks Villa will stand by their valuation and not sell the striker unless it is met.
“The Chelsea links, I could understand,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“Maybe moving there, he might have seen it as a bigger club but I’m not too sure why that didn’t work out. I’ve always said that I like him.
“Every time I’ve seen him play I like what he brings and yes he’s a little rough around the edges, but I think he’s going to develop into a top striker.
“At West Ham arguably there’s a better chance of him playing week in and week out because I think they’re searching for somebody so he might feel that’s a chance for him to go and really thrive.
“But it will probably drag on because it really depends on the player’s mentality. I’ve seen players just down tools and say I just won’t kick a ball then if you don’t let me leave.
“I don’t really like to see that because it doesn’t help the player and it doesn’t help the club so I hope that keeps his head down, works hard and whatever will happen will happen.”
Will Jhon Duran exit Aston Villa and complete his West Ham United transfer?
Ultimately, Villa are under no pressure to sell Duran this summer unless a club comes in and meets their valuation of his services which hasn’t happened at this stage of the window.
Ollie Watkins is their only other recognised senior striker and any money earned via the sale of the Colombian will likely need to be reinvested back into Unai Emery’s frontline ahead of the new campaign.
Hopefully, Duran will continue to train properly when he returns following the Copa America and not down his tools because as Hutton suggested, that will help neither him nor the club itself.
If the speculation does drag on until the end of the transfer window, it won’t be too big an issue for Villa as long as the 20-year-old continues to give his all when he steps on the field.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery’s side could be set to sanction the sale of Moussa Diaby for £55million after a new transfer update
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