Aston Villa reportedly failed in an attempt to add another striker to their ranks during the summer transfer window.
Although Villa qualified for this season's Champions League, they spent the early part of the off-season ensuring that they fulfilled the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
As a result, there was persistent speculation regarding the future of Jhon Duran, who has only made three league starts since his arrival in January 2023.
Chelsea and West Ham United each failed with bids for the Colombia international, a player who is valued in the region of £40m by the West Midlands outfit.
Duran has since proven his worth with decisive goals in victories away at West Ham United and Leicester City, putting himself in contention to replace an out-of-sorts Ollie Watkins.
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Potential replacement on radar?
Unai Emery ultimately did not feel the need to bring another striker into his first-team squad, with Morgan Rogers a versatile attacker who can be deployed down the centre if required.
Nevertheless, it has been claimed that Villa made an attempt to secure a deal for a player in Semih Kilicsoy who also would have been able to be used on the left flank and in the middle.
Former Besiktas general manager Sinan Engin said on television channel Beyaz Futbol that the Turkish giants had rejected a bid for the 19-year-old.
Engin said: "Did you know that Aston Villa gave €15m (£12.7m) to Semih Kilicsoy and Besiktas did not accept it?"
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Besiktas justified in turning down bid?
Kilicsoy may only be 19 years of age but he is already regarded as one of the players who could feature in the Turkey national team for at least the next decade.
He was trusted to come on when Turkey were trailing in their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Netherlands, earning his third cap for his country.
That was a result of 11 goals and three assists coming from his 23 outings in Super Lig during 2023-24, and a further two assists have been contributed from his three appearances this campaign.
With four years left on his contract, Besiktas have no reason to sell Kilicsoy unless they receive an offer considerably higher than the alleged one made by Villa.
Darren Plant
