Aston Villa deliver £71m transfer bombshell as race for Chelsea-linked striker accelerates

Aston Villa have placed a bumper €85million (£71million) price tag on Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea-linked Jhon Duran, according to journalist Pipe Sierra (via Sport Witness). The Premier League side have no plans to lose the striker this winter amid attention from elsewhere.

Duran, who is 21-years-old, has been in impressive form for the Midlands outfit so far this season. He has scored 12 goals in 26 games in all competitions, seven of which have come in the league, and he has proved to be a useful player to bring off the bench.

Aston Villa update regarding Jhon Duran

Keeping hold of Duran for the second-half of the campaign would be a big boost for Aston Villa. He has been a key player for Unai Emery’s side and knows where the back of the net is.

The Colombia international has scored 20 goals in 75 matches since making the switch to England. He is still young and has the potential to get better in the future.

Prior to his move to Villa Park, he was on the books at Chicago Fire in MLS and fired eight goals in 28 outings. The Zaragoza-born man rose up through the academy ranks at Envigado FC and played for their various youth teams before heading to America.

Aston Villa contract situation with Jhon Duran

Duran is under contract at Aston Villa until June 2030 meaning they are under no pressure to sell him to Dortmund or Chelsea, hence why they can demand a big money fee. He was handed a long-term extension in October last year.

Former player midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger said last year: "The fact that Emery can do various things with his squad is really impressive. It does work for Duran coming off the bench. Duran was about to leave in the summer and most managers would just say 'I'm not interested in you any more, you don't want to be part of this team - go'. Then they would tell the owners to find a new club for him.

"But Emery managed to put his arm around Duran and said 'you have got quality, we need you, you can help this team' and he has delivered sooner than expected. That is so brilliant and that is when the experience of Unai Emery comes in and says 'I have got a spot for you, just be patient' and it all pays off. That recipe with Ollie Watkins starting and Duran coming on, why would you change it if it works."

Aston Villa honoured their 150th anniversary against West Ham. Emery said before the tie: “I am spending my life here, at the moment two years, and hopefully for a long time. Of course, it is part of my life, something important as a coach.

“Hopefully, I will be leaving here, sharing with our supporters everything for the history they had, and as well we had, and trying to do something important now, with our opportunity we have here in different competitions. In my passion, in football, am I very proud of the history they have, and of course the history we can do.”