West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui makes new West Ham United transfer admission amid Jhon Duran links

Dan is a sports journalist who graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a first-class degree in Sports Journalism. Dan has a huge love for football and has spent time inside newsrooms throughout his time at university. Away from his laptop, he enjoys playing Sunday League football, or watching whatever football, cricket or whatever sport he can find.

Published on:

27 Jul 2024, 4:40 am

West Ham United boss Julen Lopetegui has admitted he is in contact with Tim Steidten daily but wouldn't comment on links with Jhon Duran.

The Hammers have reportedly seen a £32million offer for the Aston Villa forward rejected this summer [Fabrizio Romano, 25 July] but the Colombian international remains a top priority at the London Stadium.

Steidten has joined the Irons in America as they continue their pre-season preparations, but Lopetegui has insisted they are only focusing on the players already at their disposal ahead of the new season.

As quoted by the Daily Mail on Saturday (27 July) he said: "He [Steidten] is here with us and we talk every day, but we have to put our concentration in the players we have here with us.

'It's about the players who are here and putting the focus in them.”

Will Jhon Duran exit Aston Villa amid West Ham United transfer *speculation?***

Lopetegui was never going to be drawn into speculation around the links with Duran this summer, but it is interesting that Steidten has joined the team in America rather than remaining in the UK as the transfer window rumbles on.

What should come as positive news is the fact that the manager and Steidten are in contact daily as that means Lopetegui will have a good understanding of the state of play and therefore not become frustrated as he did at Wolves.

West Ham United have been linked with Aston Villa ace Jhon Duran

It has already been a slightly frustrating summer for the former Real Madrid manager and fans alike as there have been plenty of deals that felt close to completion that have then fallen by the wayside incredibly quickly.

Hopefully, that will change in the final weeks of the transfer window ahead of the new Premier League season.

While the players already in the squad may be Lopetegui's focus, Steidten will be doing everything he can to try and get one or two more new faces through the door sooner rather than later.

In other West Ham news, Sergi Roberto is now training alone after links emerged between him and the Hammers this summer

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