Aston Villa identify Jhon Duran replacement as part of Alex Moreno exit deal
Dan Bardell believes Aston Villa could replace Jhon Duran with Semih Kilicsoy from Besiktas, with a potential swap deal mooted.
Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu reported on 11 July that the Villans had lodged a bid worth £15million for the 18-year-old.
The initial offer included a deal which would see Alex Moreno join the Super Lig giants on a season-long loan, but the proposal was rejected.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell believes that the Turkyie international could be a replacement option for Duran.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “It will be difficult for Villa to sign a centre-forward if Jhon Duran does depart.
“They will desperately need someone to fill in for when Ollie Watkins isn’t available, even though he is very durable. What they really need is someone who can cover multiple positions like Kilicsoy can.
“That profile of player, in terms of someone that can play upfront and maybe out wide, I think that makes sense as a signing even if he is young.
“He knows he would be Watkins’ deputy because he just gets better every season he plays in, but he would be the multifaceted player that I think Villa need.
“That would be clever business, especially if a player like Alex Moreno, whose game time is going to be less next season, goes the other way.“
Aston Villa interested in Semih Kilicsoy
The Villans are dealing with Duran, who appears to be looking to force a move away from Villa Park with interest coming from Chelsea and West Ham United [Fabrizio Romano].
If the 20-year-old is to depart then a new striker option would be necessary for Unai Emery, and Kilicsoy could be an excellent signing.
At 18, the Besiktas academy product has already scored 12 goals for their first team [FotMob] and could develop well in the Premier League.
With Cameron Archer returning from Sheffield United as a recognised striker option, there wouldn’t be so much pressure on Kilicsoy in his debut season.
Watkins is undoubtedly going to be the regular option as Villa’s number nine but there is no doubt that the Super Lig starlet could have an impact.
In other Aston Villa news, Don Goodman has lauded the Villans over a piece of transfer business.
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