West Ham are continuing talks with Aston Villa over the potential signing of Jhon Duran this summer, with ExWHUEmployee providing an update.

The club have identified the Columbian international as a top target this transfer window under the new Julen Lopetegui era in east London, following his arrival to replace David Moyes as the clubs new Head Coach.

A new striker has been regarded as a major priority for both Lopetegui and Technical Director Tim Steidten, with it now understood the Duran is now regarded as the top target for this position.

Talks with the midlands club have been ongoing over the last few weeks, with our club insider Ex reporting that West Ham are tabling a more incentive based package for the player, whilst Aston Villa are holding out for a larger lump sum fee.

Reports in the media have suggested that a fee of around 35m euros had been agreed, however Ex has advised that his sources have denied this at this stage.

“I have just checked the status of the Duran transfer and whether a €35m euros deal has been agreed and I have received this email: “Sadly Villa asking more than that”, reported the insider on The West Ham Way Patreon.

Ex has advised though that talks are ongoing and West Ham are still working to try and get a deal that works for all parties agreed, so to land our 4th signing of the summer so far.

“Talks will continue with Aston Villa to try and get this deal over the line with different options being explored,” added Ex. “As we have said for a while now, he is clearly the number one forward option.”

Fans will be kept fully up to date on the situation as it progresses on The West Ham Way Patreon.