Aston Villa director of football Damian Vidagany has revealed that at least 40 clubs are interested in signing midfielder John Duran.
Duran, 20, was targeted by Chelsea during the January transfer window in the summer and even West Ham United were publicly linked with a move away from Villa, which ultimately did not materialise.
Despite the controversy this summer, Duran remains an important part of the Villa team and already has two goals this season, including against the Hammers on the opening day of the season.
“If there is a club which really thinks he can be one of the top strikers in the world, if there is one club and one manager, it is Aston Villa and Unai Emery,” Vidagany said. “There are no fewer than 40 clubs who want Duran – everyone wants Duran.
“Jhon Duran is a boy of 20 who knows what we know, he has a huge potential. He can be one of the best strikers in the world, period.”
Sporting director Monchi admitted that Duran wanted to leave this summer in search of more time, but praised the 20-year-old for his focus.
“The most important thing for me and Dami is to support Unai because he is the leader,” said Monchi. “I worked with him for four years in Seville and Dami in Valencia. We must understand Unai. He is very confident in John Duran. Strong heart. “He thinks he can become one of the best strikers in the world in the next few years. He believes in that 100%. But what is the problem? We also have Watkins and Duran who want to play. He thinks he’s better than Watkins.
“That is normal because every player thinks he is better than their teammates. To manage Ollie Watkins and Duran is not easy but at the end it is the best for the team. If you have two big strikers it is better than only one.
“Did Duran want to leave the club? Yes. That is normal because he wants to play. But now we spoke with him yesterday [deadline day] and he is happy. He is training good.”
