West Ham United have long been linked with a new striker, and they’re certainly putting the work in at present.
The Hammers are said to be in pursuit of Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, a player who appears surplus to Unai Emery’s requirements.
While West Ham could do with strengthening their attacking ranks, Villa boss Unai Emery is said to be open to moving Duran on.
Earlier on Thursday, Fabrizio Romano reported that that the Hammers had improved their bid to Villa for the 20-year-old.
This proposal stood at £32million plus 18-year-old midfielder Lewis Orford, with a sell-on clause in there too.
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Aston Villa reject latest West Ham bid for Jhon Duran
However, Romano has now provided a follow-up update, saying Villa have rejected West Ham’s new bid for Duran.
The Villans are not quite satisfied with £32million, plus Orford and a sell-on clause. They are reportedly insisting on £40million.
However, talks are still under way because Duran wants a move to the London Stadium, added Romano.
Jhon Duran to West Ham still on right track despite hitch
As per The Guardian, Duran is not in Emery’s long-term plans, having started just three games since joining Villa in January 2023.
However, the 20-year-old is viewed as a player with a lot of potential, and Emery himself previously deemed him a “special” talent.
Despite Villa’s latest rebuttal, it looks like things are still on the right track, and hopefully there will be some positive developments in the coming days.
After all, West Ham want Duran, who in turn wants West Ham, and Villa are happy to sell the player, so it’s just about getting the finances over the line.