Aston Villa already have Jhon Duran replacement with £45m transfer

Aston Villa want to sign Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui to possibly replace Jhon Duran, according to CaughtOffside.

The news outlet reports (28 December) that the 21-year-old could leave the Villans in January, with the Italian on their radar to bolster their attack.

While the Lions have scouted La Dea's centre-forward, Serie A giants Juventus, Napoli and Roma are also monitoring the 25-year-old.

Atalanta aren't looking to part ways with Retegui as things stand, but the Italian outfit could be tempted to sell for around £45million.

Mateo Retegui perfect Jhon Duran replacement at Aston Villa

The Colombian striker has finally pipped Ollie Watkins in the pecking order at the Birmingham club, but his temperament could prove to be an issue for Unai Emery.

In the 3-0 loss to Newcastle on Boxing Day in the Premier League, the 21-year-old was sent off for a challenge on Fabian Schar and will be suspended for the next three games.

While the centre-forward has scored some crucial goals for the Villans, he has often had outbursts when things haven't gone his way.

With Aston Villa set to face Brighton, Leicester and West Ham United in the coming weeks, it remains to be seen whether Duran will be able to retain his place in the starting lineup upon his return.

Retegui has burst onto the scene at Atalanta in the current campaign, scoring 12 league goals in 17 appearances.

The Italy international has been crucial to La Dea's prospects as they sit top of Serie A going into January.

Monchi has made some astute additions to the squad in recent years, and the Spaniard can be trusted to make the right decision with the 25-year-old striker.

In other Aston Villa news, a Lions chief has hit out at the FA for their response to the Duran red card.

For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.