West Ham in €25m transfer talks as Aston Villa deal could be resurrected

West Ham will consider Jhon Duran as a back-up option if they are priced out of a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug.

According to Florian Plettenberg, a journalist for Sky Sports in Germany, the Hammers have made an offer of €25m to Borussia Dortmund for the German striker. Dortmund haven't rejected the offer but are looking for €30m all in which West Ham are apparently unwilling to pay.

The 31-year-old is said to be keen to join West Ham with 'immediate effect'. He would have the same salary as he does in Dortmund, but would sign a three-year deal, however there is no total agreement yet.

Plettenberg then went on to add that if Dortmund demand too much, they would want to pull out of a deal and try to finalise a move for Duran. Villa view Duran at £40m but West Ham view that as too expensive. Fullkrug would seemingly cost less than Duran, but the Colombian is 11-years younger than him and has plenty of years ahead of him.

The latest on the Duran front is that according to talkSPORT, an offer worth £35m was rejected and West Ham then told Villa they wouldn't be increasing their offer. It now appears that Fullkrug is the striker that West Ham are pursuing but if things get complicated with that deal then they could resurrect talks with Villa.

Duran is currently in a state of limbo at Villa Park after addressing transfer speculation this summer. Chelsea held a strong interest but think he is valued too highly whilst Newcastle United are also said to be an admirer along with teams in the Saudi Pro League.

Where he might end up remains to be seen, West Ham are obviously keen but will want to bring the price down. Duran still has another four years left to run on his deal but he appears to be low down the pecking order under Unai Emery with Ollie Watkins his preferred option.