Aston Villa star Jhon Duran has now broken his silence about signing for West Ham United after comments from his agent.
As a host of West Ham striker targets fall, all roads seem to be leading to Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Yesterday it emerged Hammers target Ivan Toney is now on course to join rivals Spurs.
Another top West Ham target Youssef En-Nesyri has joined Fenerbahce while the Hammers have baulked at valuations for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Callum Wilson.
The top spokesman inside the club has told Hammers News that Aston Villa’s back-up forward Duran is very much a top West Ham target.
Hammers locked in Villa talks for Duran
But the Hammers won’t pay Villa’s original £35-40m asking price for Duran.
West Ham revealed Villa’s impatient and frustrated 20-year-old Colombian is ‘one of many’ forwards they are bidding for this summer.
But with other targets falling by the wayside, the pressure is mounting on the Hammers to get a deal done for the man Aston Villa signed from Chicago Fire for £15m.
Duran’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, has given the Hammers encouragement as talks continue.
Duran is reportedly excited about the chance to play more regularly having found himself behind Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.
But what does the player himself think about the situation?
Villa star Duran breaks silence on signing for West Ham
Well now Aston Villa star Duran has broken his silence on signing for West Ham.
And it sounds like fantastic news for Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten.
Because Duran says he is flattered by West Ham’s interest and hopes ‘something concrete happens’.
“I take it very calmly with the help of my agent and my father we are taking everything little by little,” Duran told ESPN Deportes.
“Of course the fact my name sounds in those big teams, it is very important for my career.
“I am happy that these rumours are happening (about a move to West Ham) and hopefully something concrete happens.”
It’s fantastic that Duran wants the move to the London Stadium.
But now West Ham have to try and agree a fee with Villa.
The pressure is on Steidten after very slow progress on deals since signing Max Kilman nearly three weeks ago.
Especially with the new Premier League season now just three weeks away.
Five reasons Duran is perfect for West Ham
Potential and age: Duran is only 20 years old, which means he has significant room for growth and development. West Ham have a history of signing strikers who have seen better days. The £15m signing of Danny Ings from Aston Villa being a prime example. So it is good to see the club looking to invest in a player who can become a long-term asset.
Versatility and physicality: Given his lack of game time at Villa, West Ham fans may not know too much about the Colombian. Duran is known for his physical presence, standing at 6ft 1in. His ability to hold up the ball and his physicality make him a suitable fit for the demanding nature of the Premier League. Steidten has stated versatility is a key attribute West Ham are looking for in signings this summer. And Duran is very versatile as he can operate across the front line.
Goal-scoring ability: Despite limited opportunities at Aston Villa, Duran has shown glimpses of his goal-scoring prowess. His ability to find the back of the net, especially under pressure, highlights his potential as a reliable striker for the long-term. And with more regular game time, his ceiling for improvement could be very high.
Adaptability and experience: Having played in different leagues and at international level, Duran has gained valuable experience and adaptability for such a young forward. That – and his apparent willingness to join – will help him integrate quickly into West Ham’s squad.
Increased depth and competition: With Michail Antonio turning 34 next season and ageing Danny Ings unlikely to be leading the line under Lopetegui, Duran’s arrival would give West Ham a bonafide first choice striker with the attributes needed to thrive. But sharing the load with Antonio in particular will mean most rest for the Hammers veteran and – as a result – less fatigue and better performances.
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