Duran stance on West Ham transfer after Fullkrug developments
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran remains “keen” on a move to West Ham United despite transfer developments at the London Stadium, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via Give Me Sport (6 August) that the Colombian forward continues to prioritise joining the Hammers, even though Julen Lopetegui has signed Niclas Fullkrug this summer.
Signing the Villa man as well as the former Borussia Dortmund striker would be “really expensive” so it remains to be seen if the Hammers will consider making another approach for Duran before the transfer deadline.
Reports had suggested that West Ham hadn’t yet given up in their bid to sign the 20-year-old [Alex Crook, 5 August], but it does feel as though a deal is becoming less and less likely.
Will Jhon Duran exit Aston Villa amid West Ham transfer rumours?
West Ham could certainly benefit from signing another striker between now and the end of the transfer window, but it seems unlikely that they will be willing to spend big to secure Duran’s signature given the business they’ve already completed.
David Sullivan has backed Tim Steidten and Lopetegui heavily to bring Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme, Wes Foderingham, Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez all to East London.
There won’t be millions of pounds left to spend and if there is, it will more than likely be used on defensive reinforcements given the former Real Madrid manager’s desire to revamp his backline ahead of the new season.
Maybe, if one of Danny Ings or Michail Antonio departs in the coming weeks that could change. But at the moment it seems like Duran will be keener on this move than either the Hammers or Aston Villa are.
However, things can change at the drop of a hat in the transfer window so a move to the London Stadium still cannot be completely ruled out.
