Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has given the green light to a move to West Ham United as he is attracted by the possibility of working under Julen Lopetegui, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking exclusively to Soccer4U.
Despite recent links with Chelsea, the 20-year-old Colombia international has emerged as a concrete option for West Ham in recent weeks.
The Hammers are keen to bolster their attacking options under newly-appointed boss Lopetegui after relying heavily on winger Jarrod Bowen’s stellar performances up front last season.
Anticipating a busy remainder of the summer, West Ham recently announced the signing of Wolves defender Max Kilman and show no signs of slowing down in the transfer window.
According to Romano, Duran has already ‘said yes’ to West Ham as he looks to leave Villa Park after a disappointing 18 months under Unai Emery.
Soccer4U has previously reported that the 20-year-old is not seen as ‘a major part’ of Emery’s plans going forward, with the Villains happy to see him leave ahead of their Champions League debut.
The Birmingham outfit are seeking reinforcements in several areas across the pitch before their historic season and could entertain offers for Duran reaching around £40m, according to Romano.
Aston Villa Set Price for Duran
He is keen to work under Lopetegui
Romano, speaking to Soccer4U, suggested that West Ham have ‘a concrete possibility’ to sign Duran this summer:
“For Jhon Duran, Aston Villa always wanted something around £40 million. So let’s see if maybe with some add-ons, they can reach an agreement and get the deal done.
“The player already said yes to West Ham, he is attracted by the possibility of working under Julen Lopetegui. So for sure, Jhon Duran-West Ham is a concrete possibility.”
The Colombian striker, who joined Villa in January 2023 from Chicago Fire, has struggled for playing time under Emery, racking up just 462 minutes of Premier League football last season.
Superb Ollie Watkins’ form left Duran watching from the sidelines as he now looks to depart for a fresh start in England and could become West Ham’s starting striker in Lopetegui’s first season.
Last month, the 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, but the Blues eventually advanced with signing promising forwards Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu.
