Aston Villa confirm surprise agreement for Liverpool and Man Utd striker target in club statement

Latest transfer news as Aston Villa announce a surprise striker signing who was wanted by Liverpo.
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Aston Villa have announced that an agreement has been reached with Chicago Fire to sign 19-year-old striker Jhon Duran on a permanent transfer. The Colombia international, who scored eight goals in 27 Major League Soccer appearances last campaign, will join the Villans subject to a medical and agreeing on personal terms.

Duran, who has been linked with Liverpool recently, is set to become Unai Emery’s second signing after Alex Moreno, a left-sided player from Real Betis. The new man in the dugout has been very vocal about wanting to add depth to his squad, particularly on the wing, but Duran is an out-and-out centre forward - so he is probably not the last signing of the window.

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Moreno impressed as he made his debut off the bench in the 2-1 win over Leeds United on Friday, showing signs of offering the Villans more directness going forward. It was just as well that he was brought in when he was, as Villa now have three full-backs sidelined with injuries – Matty Cash, Ludwig Augustinsson and Lucas Digne.

Duran is the man with all the attention on him now, though, as Villa’s announcement came out of nowhere. The likes of Benfica, Chelsea and Manchester United have reportedly held a serious interest in the teenager, but there had been no real speculation regarding a potential move to Villa Park.

He is set to make the move, however, to offer competition to the existing group including Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings. Villa have lacked a consistent goalscorer this campaign, with Ings currently top of the charts with six and Leon Bailey in second with four. It would perhaps add too much pressure to rely on Duran right away, but his acquisition will certainly excite supporters.

More, including the details on the fee and contract length

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