- West Ham renew interest in Jhon Duran after failed bid in the summer
- The Hammers have played their last two matches without a recognised striker
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West Ham have ramped up their pursuit of striker Jhon Duran by upping their offer to a record £57million but Aston Villa insist their striker is not for sale.
The Hammers attempted to buy Duran in the summer when the Colombia striker made clear via his social media that he wanted to move to West Ham. He even crossed his arms in a post – an apparent nod to the Hammers’ club crest – but the clubs could not agree a fee.
Since then, Duran’s star has risen further and West Ham’s need for a forward only increased.
West Ham have played their last two matches without a recognised striker in the line-up and failed to register a single shot on target during Saturday 2-0 defeat by Crystal Palace.
Duran has already scored 12 goals this season despite competing with England’s Ollie Watkins for a spot in Unai Emery’s starting XI.
The Colombian, 21, had replaced Watkins as Villa’s first-choice No9 before he was sent off at Newcastle on Boxing Day, which brought a three-match ban.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has scored 12 goals in all competitions so far this season
Duran made a Hammers gesture with his arms during an Instagram live during the off-season
Duran was sent off against Newcastle on Boxing Day for an apparent stamp on Fabian Schar
West Ham have struggled to find value for money for a striker over recent seasons. Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca are among those discarded after big-money moves.
But, with Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio injured, the club are willing to back manager Graham Potter with funds to sign a forward – and Duran, a 21-year-old with a track record of scoring goals in England, is an attractive prospect.
Duran’s form has also attracted interest from PSG but the French champions are more likely to make a move in the summer for a player Villa value at £80m.
Duran signed a new contract until 2030, including a huge pay rise, only last October.
