‘West Ham can afford January Duran deal with Aston Villa’: Huge spending update
West Ham can afford a January transfer move for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, reports The Athletic.
Despite spending over £120million last summer, the Hammers are not in any immediate danger of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Although West Ham wanted to find a temporary loan move in the winter transfer market, the Irons can apparently still afford a permanent deal for Duran.
Former West Ham sporting director, Tim Steidten, pushed for the arrival of Niclas Fullkrug last Summer for £27million [BBC Sport], but there was always hope that the Irons could convince the Colombian striker to join in addition.
The Irons’ interest in the forward dates back to January 2024, when Villa rejected a loan offer for their talented striker.
Despite being able to afford the striker, a move is still considered unlikely as Villa are adamant they want to keep hold of Duran until at least the summer.
The latest bid from the Irons for Duran drew derision from the Midlands club, as West Ham were questioned over the “seriousness” of their £57million offer for the former Chicago Fire striker.
West Ham boss Graham Potter desperate for attacking options
Football Insider Verdict
West Ham and Villa drew 1-1 on Sunday (26 January), when the two teams faced off against, but the Irons failed to take advantage of the Villains lacklustre performance.
Despite the Hammers sitting 14th in the table, while Villa site eighth, the East London side had the better of the game and were a competent finisher away from taking all three points.
Mohammed Kudus, a natural winger, started the game up front, a position that injured Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have occupied in recent weeks.
The number nine position has been an awkward one for West Ham this season, after club legend Michail Antonio’s injury and Fullkrug’s fitness problems.
The Hammers have been outscored by 18th placed Wolves this season, and their minus 16 goal difference highlights their offensive issues.
The Irons have looked at Ajax’s Brian Brobbey as an alternative to Duran, but Peter O’Rourke exclusively told Football Insider the Dutch club are only interested in sanctioning a permanent move for the striker.
In other news, a Brighton star could be joining the Hammers in the January transfer window.
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