Yahoo News Chelsea Jhon Duran transfer hijack plan revealed as Aston Villa braced for new bid
West Ham have reportedly entered the race to challenge Chelsea for the signing of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Deemed not a major part of manager Unai Emery's plans for the upcoming campaign, Villa reportedly slapped a £40m price tag on their reserve striker when it emerged that the Blues were interested and in the market for added firepower. Duran has flirted with a switch to Stamford Bridge in the past, and initially looked like a top candidate in their latest search.
However reports last month were left to simmer and eventually fizzled out as it turned out the Colombian was not the only forward Chelsea chiefs were making an enquiry about. In Duran 's case, it was suggested that the asking price for a striker that has scored eight goals in 49 appearances in English football was too high for their liking.
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However, any hesitancy could now see them lose out on the transfer to a London rival. It is claimed by talkSPORT that West Ham United are now targeting forwards and have added Villa's No.24 to their list.
The Hammers are beginning life under Julen Lopetegui, with the new manager waiting to learn of record goalscorer Michail Antonio's decision to renew his contract, which ended as of Monday. If he were to leave then Danny Ings would be the club's only recognised striker.
As for the latest on Chelsea, The Telegraph state that Duran is still of interest, though the same can be said of Atletico Madrid's Samuel Omorodion, plus their priority would be Victor Osimhen were Napoli to lower their valuation. But after this latest twist, the Blues' indecision could now potentially see them miss out entirely.
Duran is currently away with his country on international duty for Copa America. He has only played 14 minutes of the tournament so far as Colombia qualified top of their group for the quarter-finals, setting up a tie with Panama on Saturday.
