Jhon Duran transfer: Aston Villa anger, huge new offer, Unai Emery's demand
Jhon Duran has generated plenty of interest and more suitors are stepping forward hoping to test Aston Villa's resolve with less than a week to go until the January transfer window slams shut
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorJhon Duran's future has become one of the biggest stories towards the end of the January transfer window and speculation over an leave Aston Villa exit before deadline day is only increasing.
West Ham have already had a £57million bid knocked back for the 21-year-old who has dazzled up front for Villa this season, even though he's not always been given enough game time by boss Unai Emery.
Duran has 12 goals in all competitions, but has shown his importance to the team and clinical eye for goal when coming off the bench with 1.06 goals per 90 - the highest in the Premier League.
Duran has generated plenty of interest and more suitors are stepping forward hoping to test Villa's resolve. With less than a week until the January transfer deadline, Mirror Football breaks down the Colombian's transfer saga.
Villa's anger at West Ham bid
Aston Villa were initially insistent that Duran wasn't for sale and weren't too happy after West Ham pushed their luck with a £57m bid.
Mirror Football reported last week how West Ham had followed up on their failed attempt to lure Duran to the London Stadium last summer before rebuffing their second attempt.
West Ham are in need of a new no 9 after losing Michail Antonio to injury following a car accident, and saw Duran as the perfect man to fit the bill.
It's understood Emery refused to take West Ham's bid seriously because it was so far off their asking price.
It had irked figures at Villa Park amid a feeling the news was leaked on the eve of their crucial Champions League clash at Monaco, which they lost 1-0, and added an extra edge to their Premier League game against the Hammers the following week.
Al-Nassr to make huge bid
With West Ham failing to tempt Villa, Al-Nassr now look like the favourites to win Duran's signature as they prepare a mega offer with around £80m.
L'Equipe have already reported that Villa were willing to accept a major offer from the Saudi Pro League club, who are looking to splash the cash and invest in the team to please captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo recently extended his deal on the condition that Al-Nassr make more high-profile signings and remain competitive to help the club win trophies.
Al-Nassr are also looking at Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface as they look to bring in a striker who can add to the regular supply of goals that Ronaldo often provides.
Should Duran join, he'll link up with a string of famous faces - including ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane, former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte and ex-Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.
Duran told to focus on football
This saga has brought with it some tension after Emery was repeatedly asked about Duran's future and the impact it was having on the pitch.
Duran has not started a game since late December, with Watkins still very much first choice, but transfer speculation is always a distraction and never welcomed by a Premier League manager. Emery is no different and wants all his players to knuckle down regardless of what is spoken about on social media spheres.
Speculation over Duran's future was particularly rife ahead of their 1-1 draw against West Ham, with the Hammers putting in their bid before the game, and the Spaniard has warned the forward to focus on his football.
"It is not only with Jhon Duran but other players as well," he said ahead of the showdown. "I am focusing a lot on how we are thinking and planning each match and every player is focusing on it. There can be some rumours to leave from here or come here from other teams. Every team is in the same situation.
"The group we have here now has to be professional and responsible and play, focusing on each match. We don't know exactly until the last day of the transfer window how many players we can change in this squad - but on Sunday, we are here with the players we have and 100% focused on the match."
All signs point towards Emery not being totally sold on Duran, indicated by his persistence with Watkins, who has delivered with 10 Premier League goals this season.
The pair have shown they struggle to play together, with Watkins' work rate a better fit for Emery's system. Perhaps this is the reason why Villa are finally ready to part ways with Duran this month.
Follow all the latest transfer news as clubs scramble to complete deals on Mirror Football's dedicated live blog
Carragher's advice
Speaking before the game with West Ham on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher admitted he would steer away from his usual policy and sell the younger striker in Duran, in order to get more out of Watkins.
"I'd sell Jhon Duran, and it probably goes against the grain of what most football clubs would do," the Liverpool defender explained.
"Normally in that situation, you would probably sell the older one, Ollie Watkins, because you think this guy's going to be here for a long time, but I would try and get an extra 10 million out of them."
He added: "I don't think you're quite getting the best out of Ollie Watkins knowing that Jhon Duran's going to come on with 15/20 minutes every game, but he has to bring him on with 15 or 20 minutes to go every game because he's going to be unhappy.
"I just think sometimes you can have players who are almost too good in the same position. One player needs to know he's the man. I think that's Ollie Watkins for me."
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