Al Hilal transfer update emerges on West Ham United-linked Jhon Duran
Al Hilal have requested information from Aston Villa on West Ham United-linked striker Jhon Duran, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist posted on X (29 July) to say the mega-rich Saudi Pro League club had added Duran to a list of potential of under-21 strikers after a contract proposal put forward to Barcelona striker Vitor Roque was turned down by the player and his camp.
Romano added that the striker "wants to join" the Irons this summer, but with Aston Villa refusing to budge on their £40million price tag, Julen Lopetegui's side are yet to strike a deal for the Colombian [Sky Sports, 29 July].
West Ham United must stick or twist on Jhon Duran transfer
As the Hammers and Villans barter over the fine details of Duran's seemingly impending switch to the London Stadium, Lopetegui and co need to decide if this long-running saga will be worth it.
Entering into a bidding war with the financial might of the Saudi Pro League is the last thing the Irons need, particularly given they've already seen bids and player swap offers rejected [Sky Sports, 25 July].
Should the clubs hierarchy think that £40m is too much to spend on a striker with just five Premier League goals to his name, they're well within their rights to move on to other targets.
They've cast their net wide on the hunt for a new centre-forward in this transfer window, pursuing targets in the Premier League and across Europe in a bid to find upgrades on Michail Antonio and Danny Ings.
However, the dice have landed on Duran given the lengthy pursuit of the 20-year-old striker, and if he is to be Lopetegui's man, the Hammers must close a deal soon if they're to ward off the likes of Al Hilal.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channelfor instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.