West Ham news: Graham Potter targeting a striker as Aston Villa reject huge bid for Jhon Duran
West Ham United have had a bid worth £57million rejected by Aston Villa for striker Jhon Duran, with the Villans stating the forward is not for sale.
The 21-year-old has impressed this season after scoring 12 goals in 27 games for Villa, including three goals in six Champions League matches.
However, according to David Ornstein, Aston Villa have no intention of selling the Colombian forward who has also recently extended his contract until 2030.
Previous summer interest
The Hammers were linked with Duran during the last summer window, however, opted to sign Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund instead, who has struggled with fitness and form since his arrival.
As per Fabrizio Romano, West Ham had multiple bids rejected by Aston Villa in the summer for Duran – with an offer as high as £35million plus add-ons being rejected as it did not meet Villa’s valuation.
Duran had also agreed to personal terms with West Ham, however, an agreement could not be reached between the two clubs.
Why do West Ham need a striker?
West Ham are desperate for a goal scorer at the top of the pitch, and with just 27 goals scored in the Premier League, only five teams have bagged less.
Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen are the club’s top scorers in the league this season with five goals each, however, the latter is currently sidelined with a foot injury.
Summer signing Fullkrug and the club’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, Michail Antonio, are also both out injured.
Danny Ings is the only fit striker at the club, however, he has only scored five goals in 66 appearances for the East London club since arriving from Aston Villa in January 2023.
Despite Ings being fit to play, Potter opted to not play a conventional centre-forward in his first two league games in charge against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Duran would add a much-needed goal-scoring threat to Potter’s side, and at the age of 21, the Colombian still has his best years ahead of him.
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