Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has claimed that it is "very important for his career" that he is being linked with a move to another club.
Despite costing a fee in the region of £18m in January 2023, Duran has proceeded to make just three starts in the Premier League.
A further seven have come in other competitions, yet speculation has persisted regarding an exit with 32 substitute outings being made in the top flight.
Earlier in the summer transfer window, Chelsea were attempting to negotiate a deal for the Colombia international when both the Blues and Villa needed to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
However, Chelsea instead opted to pay half the price that they were quoted for Duran and sign Omari Kellyman, leaving Duran in limbo to a certain extent.
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West Ham remain keen on Duran
As it stands, it appears that West Ham United are still attempting to secure a deal for the 20-year-old with Julen Lopetegui keen to acquire a new centre-forward.
Agent Jonathan Herrera has claimed, as quoted by AS, that he expects the transfer to be completed in due course.
He said: "There is great interest from West Ham, we have been talking to them and the club. We are going to see what happens in the rest of the market."
While Duran does not directly mention West Ham in a separate interview with ESPN Deportes, the youngster has given every indication that he wants to leave Villa.
Duran said: "I take it very calmly with the help of my agent and my father we are taking everything little by little, of course my name sounds in those big teams, it is very important for my career.
"I am happy that these rumours are happening and hopefully something concrete happens."
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Transfer needs to happen for all parties
When Ollie Watkins is fit, the England international is a guaranteed starter for Villa, and that comes to the detriment of Duran's career.
Although playing for a club of Villa's stature can only be beneficial, Duran is at risk of seeing his potential unfilled unless he secures a move elsewhere.
West Ham cannot offer European football for 2024-25, yet Duran would be representing a club in the Hammers where he is viewed as first choice.
A deal is likely to be agreed in the region of £35m, providing that West Ham will go that high, and it would allow Villa to reinvest in further competition for their star man.
Darren Plant
