Aston Villa have reportedly rejected a £40m bid for Jhon Duran from Premier League counterparts West Ham United.
The Hammers are not the only side supposedly keen on a move for the 21-year-old this month, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain also credited with a significant interest recently.
Duran, despite largely playing back-up to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most promising forwards this term.
The Colombian has netted seven goals across 18 top-flight appearances, despite starting just four matches and featuring in 592 minutes of action.
The youngster has also caused a major scene on the continental stage, scoring the winning goal during a historic win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
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West Ham offer 'nowhere near' Duran valuation
According to talkSPORT, Duran could be on the way out of the Second City during the January transfer window as his stock continues to rise in the game.
The report states that West Ham United have submitted an opening £40m bid for the 21-year-old, who was mightily close to an East London switch during the summer.
The Hammers were edging towards the signing of Duran before the commencement of the campaign, with the striker seemingly confirming the move by performing an Irons-shaped gesture whilst hosting a livestream on Instagram.
It is understood that Unai Emery's men have swiftly rejected the initial January advances of West Ham, whose offer supposedly came 'nowhere near' the £60m valuation of the attacker.
Duran has not featured for Villa since the Boxing Day defeat at Newcastle United, where the South American received a straight red card for stamping on defender Fabian Schar.
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West Ham in desperate need of Duran
Entering a new era under the stewardship of Graham Potter, West Ham are in desperate need of a new striker before the February 3 deadline.
First-choice Michail Antonio has been sidelined for the remainder of the campaign following his involvement in a serious car accident during December.
On top of that, summer arrival Niclas Fullkrug is set for a number of weeks in the stands after pulling his hamstring during the FA Cup defeat at Villa on Friday night.
As a result, the signing of Duran would provide a much-needed boost to the attacking options of Potter, who is also without the talents of winger Jarrod Bowen until March.
Carter White
