Jhon Duran says he is “happy” about speculation linking him with a move away from Aston Villa.
The Colombian striker has been the subject of interest of Chelsea and West Ham this summer, with talks over a move to East London reportedly accelerating in recent days.
Multiple reports claim the Hammers are discussing a move for the 20-year-old in a deal mooted at £37million, with Villa seemingly ready to cash in.
Duran is behind Ollie Watkins in the pecking order at Villa Park, scoring five goals in 23 Premier League appearances last season as well as a further three in Europe.
And in an interview with Colombian radio outlet Caracol, he made no secret of his desire to leave Unai Emery’s side.
On the transfer speculation, Duran said: “I’m very calm on those issues, I don’t take it that way, my dad takes it differently, but it’s important to be on the radar of teams like Chelsea and others and keep working.
“I have been very privileged because I have had many things at my young age, I take it in a very good way, I am very calm with these issues, I am always a little far from these issues.
“I am mostly with my family, with my friends and they are the ones who show me what comes out.
“I take it very calmly with the help of my agent and my dad, we are taking everything little by little, of course that my name is being mentioned by such big teams, it is very important for my career.
🔵🟣 Aston Villa keep contacts active for João Félix as he’s the dream target for Unai Emery.
Expensive package, deal not easy but Villa are still there.
↪️🇨🇴 Negotiations continue with West Ham to agree on Jhon Durán deal, he wants the move. pic.twitter.com/y3fkPeEQTY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2024
“I’m happy that there are these rumours and let’s hope that something concrete happens.”
Duran’s agent Jonathan Herrera has also been banging the drum about a move for his client and indicated West Ham are the more likely destination.
“There is a great interest on the part of West Ham, he has been talking to them and the club,” he said. “Let’s see what happens in the rest of the market.
“In the end there has been a lot of interest from several clubs in Europe for the player, but we are trying to handle this in the best way for the clubs.
“There is still time left on the market and we are going to make the best decision.”
With Duran’s exit looking increasingly likely and Moussa Diaby also on his way to Al-Ittihad, Villa are said to be exploring a deal to add Portugal forward Joao Felix to their ranks.
The 24-year-old Atletico Madrid ace has been described as Emery’s “dream target” by Fabrizio Romano.
