- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
West Ham United are pushing for the signing of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran as Tim Steidten looks to bolster Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
The Hammers are embarking on a new era this summer having brought in Julen Lopetegui as a replacement for David Moyes.
West Ham have enjoyed a productive window so far, bringing in Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman.
More signings are wanted though and HITC understands that West Ham United are continuing talks with Aston Villa over striker Jhon Duran.
West Ham United pushing to sign Jhon Duran
West Ham are looking to finalise a deal for Duran and the 20-year-old is available to leave Villa Park with head coach Unai Emery deciding that he is not in his long-term plans.
Duran has attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer including Chelsea and Napoli, but nobody has been willing to meet their asking price of around £40million.
Newcastle United have also looked at Duran but West Ham are making the strongest push.
West Ham have held talks with Duran and HITC is told that the player has decided that he wants to move to the London Stadium this summer.
HITC is told that Villa want a deal starting at £35million before any add-ons are included, and it is understood that West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten – who is the man pushing for Duran – is closing in on a deal.
Steidten is understood to be confident of striking an agreement and has managed to convince Duran’s camp that East London is the place to be moving forward.
Duran record for Aston Villa
West Ham are looking for striking additions this summer with Michail Antonio now 34.
Duran is only 20 but showed promise with five goals in 23 Premier League games last season.
Villa struck a deal worth up to £18million for Duran in January 2023, luring him from Chicago Fire amid interest from Liverpool.
West Ham were even linked with Duran in 2022 but Villa won the race, adding him as competition for Ollie Watkins.
The Colombian only started three Premier League games last season but did make 20 substitute appearances as Villa qualified for the Champions League.
Duran dodged questions about a move away from Villa Park in June, leaving that situation up to other people.
“The options of the other teams I don’t know, I am not aware now,” said Duran. “I’m focused on the national team, at the Copa América, wanting to add minutes, supporting the team a lot and for those topics of possible signing I already have other people who take care of that,” he added.
Less than a month later, Duran now appears to be edging towards the Villa exit door – just like Moussa Diaby as he heads to Saudi Arabia.
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