Aston Villa Insider: 'Jhon Duran's head has been turned' after Real Madrid news

Aston Villa star Jhon Duran has had his head turned by interest from elite European clubs including PSG and Real Madrid, according to the club's former scout.

Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at Villa Park and also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn, exclusively told Football Insider that Villa would be open to the 21-year-old's exit despite Unai Emery's claims.

Following a 1-1 draw with West Ham, when Duran was again left out of the starting XI, Emery claimed: "I want him here with us," as he addressed the striker's long-term future.

However, Football Insider revealed in November that the 21-year-old had been causing Emery and his coaching staff “headaches” about his position in the squad.

Football Insider first revealed news of interest from Real Madrid, which has come alongside that of the likes of Arsenal and West Ham, as clubs continue to monitor his situation.

Brown explained that the striker has become frustrated with his lack of playing time at Villa Park and could push for an exit as a result.

Aston Villa could cash in on Jhon Duran after Real Madrid news

Duran has started just seven of his 29 appearances so far this season, with just four of those coming in the Premier League, and he is now looking to move in search of new playing time.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the issues caused behind the scenes mean Villa could let him leave for the right price.

"I think his head has been turned by the interest in him," he told Football Insider.

"He was left out of the team again when they played West Ham.

"I'm told he's a bit of a difficult character and disruptive influence behind the scenes.

"Emery might see that and think, if they have a chance to get a fee that works for the club, they would be willing to let him go elsewhere.

"If they can get good money for him, I think it'll happen.

"When you've got teams like Real Madrid and PSG sniffing around, I think that's always a distraction.

"But when you take into account the issues we've spoken about before in terms of what he's like on the training ground, I expect he's considering moving on.

"It will need to be a deal that's right for Villa, of course, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him go.

In other news, Villa work on two defender deals after Tyrone Mings update.

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