Jhon Duran wants to work with Julen Lopetegui amid West Ham United transfer update

Jhon Duran is attracted by the prospect of playing for Julen Lopetegui and has given the go-ahead to join West Ham from Aston Villa, Fabrizio Romano has said.

Speaking to GiveMeSport (10 July), the Italian journalist said that the 20-year-old Colombian is keen to make the move to the London Stadium despite links to Chelsea.

Duran could cost the Hammers up to £40million if they do manage to complete the transfer, having reportedly already seen more than one bid for the striker turned down [HITC, 10 July].

Romano said: “For Jhon Duran, Aston Villa always wanted something around £40million. So let's see if maybe with some add-ons, they can reach an agreement and get the deal done.

“The player already said yes to West Ham, he is attracted by the possibility of working under Julen Lopetegui. So for sure, Jhon Duran (to) West Ham is a concrete possibility.”

West Ham to step up striker chase with £40m Jhon Duran transfer

Lopetegui's arrival through the London Stadium doors has already helped to influence the spending of over £65million so far this summer, £40m of which has gone on his former Wolves captain Max Kilman.

With a headline defensive signing already through the door, the next-most pressing issue for Lopetegui is that of his attacking options, which at present look extremely limited for the Hammers.

Michail Antonio and exit-linked Danny Ings are both the wrong side of 30, and as their goalscoring output continues to decline, the Irons need a much younger replacement to ease the burden.

At just 20, Duran would fit such a bill, but despite appearing 37 times in all competitions for Villa last season, only started 10 times, calling into question if he can lead the line for 90 minutes every week.

Splashing £40m on a player who managed just three league starts and a top-flight five goals would be a risk, but Lopetegui's time in London so far has shown he's more than willing to take those risks.

In other West Ham news, the club have made a final decision on their pursuit of defender Jean-Clair Todibo.

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