HITC understands that Aston Villa has rejected West Ham’s latest offer for Jhon Duran, but negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs.
The 20-year-old forward has become a primary target for the Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten this summer. Aston Villa is holding out for a bid that meets their £40 million valuation of Duran, a price West Ham has yet to match.
West Ham’s latest bid offered £30 million in cash plus 18-year-old midfielder Lewis Orford, a player Villa has shown interest in. However, Villa rejected this offer, though discussions are continuing as both clubs are keen to reach an agreement. There is a growing expectation that a deal will be finalized.
Villa turned down the chance to sign the next Declan Rice, as they didn’t believe West Ham’s latest bid offered the right value, despite including the promising Orford. The 18-year-old has yet to make his first-team debut but has impressed in West Ham’s youth squad, contributing to their FA Youth Cup victory. According to the Birmingham Mail, Orford has been called “the next Declan Rice” due to his admiration for the current Arsenal midfielder.
While Villa rebuffed West Ham’s latest offer, both sides are nearing an agreement. HITC can confirm that Duran has agreed to personal terms with the Hammers and is now waiting to be informed about when he can undergo a medical with the club.
