Expert can’t believe Aston Villa could now accept Jhon Duran offer after West Ham bid
Alan Hutton has urged Aston Villa not to sell young striker Jhon Duran in the January window amid reported interest from Premier League rivals.
The former Villa and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he is a big fan of the 20-year-old and claimed it would take a “really good offer” to prise him away.
According to The Guardian (21 January), Aston Villa have rejected a loan bid for Duran from top-six rivals West Ham ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
The report also claims Chelsea are admirers of the Colombia international.
Duran has made 23 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring four goals.
However, the ex-Chicago Fire striker has been limited to just seven starts and has played only 659 minutes of football in total.
Football Insider revealed in November that Duran is causing problems for manager Unai Emery behind the scenes at Aston Villa and has been questioned about his attitude on multiple occasions.
Hutton insisted the forward should stay despite his off-the-field issues, telling Football Insider: “I wouldn’t sell him, no way – I really like him.
“He’s done really well. He’s got pace, he puts himself about, he can score a goal.
“It’s obviously difficult for him to be behind Ollie Watkins, but that’s just how it is. I think he offers Villa a lot.
“To sell Duran at this moment in time, it wouldn’t be ideal.
“I have no idea what his value would be because he’s still very young and the potential is there.
“I don’t know what he would go for in this market, but it would have to be a brilliant offer.
“Then if Watkins gets injured, who do they turn to? Unless they’ve got someone lined up to come in, I can’t see Duran going.”
In other news, Aston Villa told £10million bid for “top target” could now be accepted.
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