Transfer Centre

Transfer roundup: Aston Villa consider Jhon Duran bids, Wolves set Jonny price, Bournemouth want Oscar Zambrano

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 06 January 2024

Sports Mole rounds up the latest January transfer rumours, including Aston Villa being open to offers for Jhon Duran and Bournemouth joining the race for Oscar Zambrano.

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to part ways with forward Jhon Duran during the January transfer window.

Having initially impressed in MLS, the Colombian was expected to make an impression in English football, particularly with Villa participating in Europe.

However, the form of Ollie Watkins has left the 20-year-old cutting a frustrated figure, scoring three goals from his five starts and 14 substitute outings in all competitions.

According to the Daily Mail, teams in Italy and Spain are both contemplating whether to make a formal approach.

AC Milan have already been suggested as a potential destination, but Serie A clubs must ensure that they have a non-European player slot vacant before completing a deal.

The report adds that a loan with an option to buy is possible this month, although Villa are content to keep the services of the youngster who is on a long-term contract.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jonny celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on March 18, 2022 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers have allegedly set an asking price for out-of-favour defender Jonny Castro.

The long-serving full-back was involved in a training ground incident at the start of December and has since been banished from the senior setup until the start of February at the earliest.

With Wolves looking to boost their FFP position, it is known that they are open to offers for the Spain international, yet it appears that they are yet to receive a suitable bid.

According to the Daily Mail, Wolves are looking to recoup in the region of £2.5m.

Given the size of his wages at Molineux and the fact that he still has 18 months remaining on his contract, there may be room for compromise if an offer is made.

Jonny, who has been at Wolves since the 2018-19 campaign, cost £18m and has gone on to make 134 appearances in all competitions, despite suffering two serious knee injuries.

Botafogo's Tiquinho Soares in action with LDU Quito's Oscar Zambrano on May 4, 2023 © Reuters

Bournemouth have allegedly become the latest club to express an interest in signing LDU Quito midfielder Oscar Zambrano.

During the summer, Luton Town were heavily linked with the prospect before they ultimately failed to get a deal over the line for the 19-year-old.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Cherries are attempting to move ahead of the Hatters in the race for the Ecuadorian's signature.

Romano says that Bournemouth are prepared to pay $5.5m (£4.3m) to get a deal over the line for the youngster in January.

Zambrano has made a total of 48 appearances for Quito, playing a part in their trophy-winning Copa Sudamericana campaign during 2023.