Aston Villa fans would 'hate' Jhon Duran development after new twist

Aston Villa have "no real point" in letting Jhon Duran leave during the transfer window, according to Ian Darke.

The TV commentator reacted after Duran was the subject of a new £57million bid from West Ham United, who also pursued the striker last summer (talkSPORT).

The Colombian recently returned from suspension, during which time Ollie Watkins has excelled up top in Unai Emery's team.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Darke said: "Villa fans would hate to sell Duran. It wouldn't be good business now unless it was a blow-out-the-water type of fee from somewhere.

"They've bounced back lately with Watkins in the team, he got the winner at Everton and equaliser at Arsenal so I can see him staying in the team and I wouldn't question Unai Emery.

"I wouldn't have thought they'd be interested in selling Duran at all, though. There's no real point - they want that option up top."

Aston Villa hold the cards over Jhon Duran transfer

Aston Villa moved quickly in October to tie Duran down to a contract until 2030, with his regular impacts off the bench of a match-winning standard.

Duran's exit rumours have never subsided, however, with Emery persisting with his preferred system of one up top to positive effect - meaning he and Watkins rarely share the pitch.

The Villans are widely reported to be holding out for at least £70million for the 21-year-old, who is into double figures this season despite his limited starts.

In other Aston Villa news, Dr Rajpal Brar discusses the fitness of Oscar Mingueza amid strong links to Villa Park.

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