Napoli react after Jhon Duran trip in Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Napoli had scouts watching Jhon Duran during the Aston Villa and Newcastle United clash in a “wasted trip”, according to Il Mattino.
The news outlet reports (27 December) that the Serie A outfit’s emissaries had travelled to Tyneside to scout the Colombian striker, who was sent off after a contentious incident with Fabian Schar.
Antonio Conte’s team were at St James’ Park on Boxing Day as the Villans lost 3-0, with goals from Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
The Lions are said to value the striker at around £37million, and the Gli Azzurri want to request the operation as soon as possible, with a summer deal also on the cards.
Aston Villa can’t sell Jhon Duran to Napoli
Duran had to bide his time at the start of the season before getting regular opportunities in the starting lineup.
Ollie Watkins was Unai Emery’s go-to number nine, and rightfully so, after consistently finding the back of the net for the Villans.
The Colombian seems to have pipped the England international in the pecking order, though, with the 21-year-old starting in the last four Premier League matches.
Duran has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Aston Villa in the current campaign, scoring 12 goals.
The Lions have had a topsy-turvy campaign so far, losing to the Magpies after their 2-1 win over Manchester City on 21 December.
Emery’s team are still within reach of the top four, but the Villans need to find the form they had at the start of the season to get a Champions League place.
The Villa Park faithful understand the importance of Duran, and parting ways with him in the coming months wouldn’t be prudent, considering his impact.
In other Aston Villa news, a Lions legend has urged Arsenal to sign a Newcastle star after his performance at St James’ Park.
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