Jhon Duran considering bombshell transfer away from Aston Villa and the club he wants is so unexpected

Jhon Duran has been linked with a move to a shock club as his future at Aston Villa is uncertain.

Duran, 21, has been in excellent form this season having registered 12 goals in 28 appearances for Unai Emery’s team.

Of course, a starting place in Villa’s side is not guaranteed, with Ollie Watkins seemingly his manager’s go-to forward.

As a result, the Colombian has been linked with a potential move away from the Premier League outfit.

On Monday, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that West Ham had “submitted a bid worth £57m” to sign the forward, which was later rejected.

The Hammers previously showed interest in the player last summer when they bid £30m plus teenage midfielder Lewis Orford – an offer rebuffed by Villa.

However, the report goes on to explain how the Birmingham-based side have “no intention of selling” the 21-year-old in the January transfer window.

Now, another club have joined the race to sign the former Chicago Fire forward.

According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid have joined PSG in their pursuit of the player.

However, if Duran wants a regular starting spot at the Santiago Bernabeu, this could prove difficult given the fact Kylian Mbappé is Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred striker currently.

Jhon Duran has been linked with a potential transfer (Credit:Getty)

This comes after The Telegraph reported that Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are preparing an “official offer” for Duran.

The report suggests that the club – captained by Cristiano Ronaldo – have been considering their options for the second part of the season, as they look to chase Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad at the summit of the league.

Despite the links with a move, Duran is contracted to Villa until 2030 after he recently signed a new contract. Villa reportedly consider the player to be worth around £80m.

Emery, 53, recently admitted that starting Watkins and Duran together is a "challenge".

“We have to work on it tactically because to play with two strikers, they have to try to help the team as well in our structure offensively and defensively,” he said.

“I tried it before and sometimes it was successful. I think we are going to watch those players together, maybe within a match, and as well I think I can find a solution for them to play in the starting XI together.

"But they have to try to understand their roles."

Duran will be hoping to feature when Villa are back in action against West Ham at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.