Chelsea have ‘held dialogue’ with Aston Villa over a deal to sign forward Jhon Duran and view the Colombian as a player of ‘vast potential’.
Duran continues to be linked with leaving Aston Villa this month after failing to convince Unai Emery, with West Ham having seen a loan bid turned down. Chelsea also admire the 20-year-old and have held negotiations with Villa over a potential deal, ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Villa need to raise funds before the end of June in order to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules and Duran’s exit could ease those concerns.
Chelsea are open to agreeing a deal, despite Duran currently being injured. The West Londoners are understood to view the South American striker as a ‘talent for the future’.
Duran’s arrival at Chelsea could pave the way for Armando Broja to leave in search of a more prominent role. A number of Premier League rivals are interested in signing the 22-year-old, who is valued at around £50m at Stamford Bridge.
Wolves and Fulham lead the chase to sign the Albania international, while West Ham are long-term admirers and remain interested in signing a centre-forward before the deadline.
