A confidant of David Sullivan has lifted the lid on when West Ham can seal a deal for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran.
West Ham’s crosshair seems to have all of a sudden been firmly fixed on Aston Villa bit-part striker Jhon Duran.
But the truth of the matter is the Hammers have wanted Villa’s Colombian forward Duran since last year.
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has had the frustrated Aston Villa back-up man on a list of targets since then.
And new Hammers boss Jules Lopetegui clearly agrees with Steidten that Duran could make a difference for his new-look side next season.
Speculation over a West Ham move for the Aston Villa striker has ramped up measurably over the last week or so.
Save a prayer for West Ham’s Duran move
Much to the chagrin of the club’s manager Unai Emery and fans, Duran has made it clear he’s open to leaving Villa for West Ham.
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has confirmed what we reported on Hammers News last week – that West Ham have already approached Aston Villa about doing a deal for the 20-year-old.
West Ham make £13 million bid for Chelsea attacker – report
Report: West Ham could make bid to sign £30 million PL striker from London rivals imminently
Hammer blow for West Ham as report claims Man United could sign ‘outrageously amazing’ 24-yo
Has Lopetegui made it very clear he’s about to give a 2nd chance to forgotten 27-yo Hammer?
West Ham then confirmed exclusively to Hammers News that “Duran is one of many we are looking at”.
Others on West Ham’s list include Armando Broja, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Chelsea have also been linked with Duran.
When West Ham can seal deal for Villa star Duran
Rumours of an imminent move for Duran and speculation a deal was close between West Ham and Villa reached fever pitch earlier this week.
But the noise has dampened somewhat, leading some supporters concerned it may not happen.
Now a David Sullivan confidant has lifted the lid on when West Ham can seal a deal for Aston Villa star Duran.
And it could be as early as next week.
Top West Ham insider Sean Whetstone has strong contacts at the club including Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
Whetstone says West Ham will push for a deal when Duran finishes the Copa America on Monday, when Colombia face Argentina in the final in the US.
But he reiterates Duran is certainly not the only target on West Ham’s list.
‘Villa man not the only Hammers target’
“Columbian striker Jhon Duran is focussed on the Copa America final on Monday and that is likely to put any move to West Ham on hold until next week,” Whetstone said.
“The 20-year-old Aston Villa striker is in the US with his national team as they face Argentina in the Copa America final on Monday. He has been restricted to one appearance after he came on as a 77th minute substitute in a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in the group stages at the end of June.
“Earlier in the tournament when Duran was linked with a move away from Villa he told local press: “I’m focused on the national team, at the Copa America, 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.”.
“Duran is not the only striker target with West Ham having a number of other options if agreement cannot be reached with Aston Villa.”
