- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that West Ham United have not given up hope this summer to add another key target to their team.
Julen Lopetegeui’s West Ham United have been one of the busier sides in the transfer window this summer with the Spaniard replacing David Moyes.
West Ham signed Max Kilman from Wolves and the Hammers have also signed Palmeiras’ promising midfielder Luis Guilherme.
As well as these two additions, West Ham signed German forward Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United this summer.
However, despite these deals, the Hammers aren’t done there and they have not given up hope of adding another attacking talent.
West Ham still keen on Jhon Duran from Aston Villa
HITC understands that West Ham retain an interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran this summer after the Hammers attempted to land the forward earlier this summer.
As mentioned, the Hammers have already signed German striker Fullkrug but they want more in terms of back-up and Duran remains a target for the East London club.
They have Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, both of whom they would be willing to move on. Indeed HITC understands Ings was lined up for a move back to his old club Southampton but he rejected that chance.
But The Hammers want more depth and Duran is a player they have wanted all summer but a deal failed to materialise.
They failed to sign him on a permanent deal earlier in the summer when Villa rejected West Ham’s offer for Duran and they went with Fullkrug instead.
Another forward that West Ham are understood to be considering is Roma’s Tammy Abraham, with the Englishman a loan option that the Hammers are keen on.
Aston Villa’s stance on selling Jhon Duran explained
West Ham’s interest remains in Duran, and Villa still wants to move him on and the player is looking to move from Villa Park this summer.
We understand West Ham would be willing to take Duran on loan with a view to a permanent move but also in a deal that includes mandatory clauses if he met certain criteria.
HITC has reported that West Ham were prepared to switch striker targets but the Hammers have not yet given up their hopes of landing the Colombian forward.
Duran’s agent has certainly been talkative this summer and it appears that a move away from Villa Park is not beyond question this summer.
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