Aston Villa star Jhon Duran has made feelings clear about joining West Ham

The Hammers and Aston Villa are looking to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

West Ham want to compete for the European spots again while Villa aim to do the same while also competing in the new-look Champions League.

Key to a team’s fortunes is so often having the right striker.

West Ham don’t have much luck when it comes to signing forwards.

Whether that is those they do sign turning out to be flops or missing out on stars who go on to do well elsewhere.

One who is very much the latter is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

David Moyes recently shared his deep regret at missing out on Watkins for West Ham before he ended up joining Villa for £30m.

West Ham and Villa’s striking contrast in fortunes

Watkins has been a revelation at Aston Villa. And just to rub salt in that particular wound, the Hammers then took cast off Danny Ings off Villa’s hands for £15m.

West Ham could be forgiven for not wanting to do business with Villa again for a while after that deal.

But technical director Tim Steidten has been showing a keen and longstanding interest in young Villa forward Jhon Duran.

Back in January, Sun journalist Alan Nixon claimed West Ham enquired about signing Duran.

But Villa rejected West Ham’s loan offer and he remained with Unai Emery.

Speculation has swirled around the 20-year-old Colombian international again this summer.

Especially as Villa look to raise funds to help make signings against the backdrop of restrictive PSR rules.

The likes of Chelsea, Spurs and others have been linked with Duran while it has also been reported he’s back on West Ham’s radar after intimating he was open to the move in January.

Now Aston Villa star Duran has made feelings clear about joining West Ham.

The young striker has become restless at Villa Park and has angered Emery with his impatience and attitude.

According to a top Hammers News source, West Ham have been given encouragement from the player’s side about moving to the London Stadium when reaching out to Duran and his representatives.

So much so the club is now considering making an official move this week.

Hammers News spoke to well connected journalist Graeme Bailey about the situation.

And while he could not verify talk of an imminent bid from West Ham, Bailey says he ‘could certainly see it’ happening.

Especially after Steidten pulled the plug on any Hammers interest in Jonathan David – who has been linked with West Ham, Aston Villa, Man United and Chelsea.

“I could certainly see it (West Ham and Duran),” Bailey told Hammers News.

“The kid has a real attitude on him and that is why Emery wants him out.

‘Doesn’t mean he isn’t worth a go’

“But that doesn’t mean he isn’t worth a go. He is a talent… but I haven’t heard his name directly.

“I know West Ham are not in the Jonathan David stakes as Steidten has said no.”

Birmingham World has doubled down on claims of interest from West Ham in Duran.

“West Ham United are reportedly keen on signing an Aston Villa star previously wanted by Chelsea,” the report states.

“The Colombia international, currently competing at Copa America in the United States, is eager to leave the Villans in the coming weeks…

“The striker’s attitude – one of the factors Chelsea considered before pulling the plug on their deal – could prove problematic if he doesn’t get what he wants.”

That suggests Duran may kick up a fuss if West Ham do bid and Villa try to stand in his way.

Especially after an agreement was reportedly reached with Chelsea only for the deal to collapse.