Graeme Bailey reports that West Ham have made a new offer for the 20-year-old striker, surpassing the £30 million bid, plus a young player, they proposed during the summer transfer window [Fabrizio Romano].
Since his move to the London Stadium fell through, Duran has netted 12 goals in all competitions, while Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter have been left to rely on Niclas Fullkrug and Danny Ings.
Speaking live via talkSPORT [14 January, 4:37pm], Andy Goldstein said: “They offered £35million and Aston Villa wanted £40million, and now they’ve gone back going, ‘Do you remember that bid we put in?’
Bent simply said: “Yeah, it’s embarrassing,” as Goldstein continued: “Does Villa’s valuation of £60million feel a bit cheap? I think it does.
Bent replied: “Someone will pay it. If he continues at the rate he’s going, he’s looking really good. He had a bit of a malfunction against Newcastle, losing his head a bit after being sent off for studding someone in the back.
“Before that, he looked every bit as good of a player we thought he’d be. £60million is nothing – someone will pay that.”
West Ham United to finally strike deal for Jhon Duran?
Potter is urgently seeking a new striker before the winter transfer window closes next month, with Michail Antonio still recovering from a car crash and Fullkrug facing another injury setback.
Although Danny Ings remains in the squad, he struggled for appearances under Lopetegui and appears to have slipped down the pecking order, especially after the latest injury blow.
David Sullivan was willing to spend during the summer transfer window, bringing in several new players, but Duran wasn’t one of them.
For reasons that remain unclear, the Hammers didn’t budge by a few million to secure the talented striker’s signature, a decision that has faced heavy criticism from fans.
Even as a backup to Ollie Watkins, Duran has scored seven Premier League goals, despite starting only four of his 18 appearances, with five more goals in all competitions.
Tim Steidten must surely regret not finalizing the transfer last window.
