West Ham's Bid for Duran Rejected

West Ham United are intensifying their efforts to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, having had an initial bid of £30 million plus Lewis Orford rejected. Duran, who has scored five goals in the Premier League since joining Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, has agreed to personal terms with West Ham for a five-year deal. Villa's steadfast £40 million valuation remains a sticking point in negotiations. The 20-year-old Colombian international has been of interest to other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, but they were unwilling to meet Villa's asking price. West Ham's new manager, Julen Lopetegui, aims to bolster his forward options ahead of the new season. Orford, an England youth international, is part of the proposed deal, but his contract with West Ham is set to expire in June 2025 without a new offer on the table.