West Ham, Chelsea and Newcastle United sent enticing 50-word message by £40m bagsman

West Ham, Chelsea and Newcastle United will have their ears pricked up by an enticing message sent by Aston Villa transfer target Jhon Duran as the saga regarding the player's future drags on.

The trio of Premier League clubs have all be credited with interest in the 20-year-old, who joined the Midlands club from Chicago Fire for around £17 million in January 2023. The striker has since struggled to cement a starting role under Unai Emery at Villa Park.

Duran made 23 Premier League appearances last season but only amassed 462 minutes. The forward did bag five top flight goals in those matches, and eight goals across all competitions, highlighting his potential.

Chelsea have been linked with interest in Duran this summer as Enzo Maresca prepares for his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge but only value the player at £20 million. Newcastle United are another side said to be keen, with striker Callum Wilson linked with a move to West Ham, but hold a similar valuation to the Blues.

Aston Villa have slapped a £40 million price tag on the promising player, who has another four years on his current deal at Villa Park. This week, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that despite the lofty price tag, West Ham remain in negotiations with their Premier League rivals over a deal.

Duran is still to link-up with Aston Villa's pre-season preparations having been involved with Colombia at the Copa America. He only played in one game but his side reached the final of the tournament, which Argentina won.

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Duran has confronted the transfer rumours head-on lately, in a way that will give West Ham, Chelsea and Newcastle United hope of a deal. Speaking to ESPN Deportes, he said: "I take it very calmly with the help of my agent and my father we are taking everything little by little, of course my name sounds in those big teams, it is very important for my career. I am happy that these rumours are happening and hopefully something concrete happens”

Duran is represented by Jonathan Herrera, and he confirmed West Ham's desire to sign his client. In an interview with AS in Colombia., Herrera said: “There is a great interest on the part of West Ham. We have been talking with them and with the club. Let’s see what happens in the rest of the market..."