(Football news) Aston Villa are going to confirm the signing of Jhon Duran, as the striker was attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. Duran was linked to several top European sides in the winter transfer window. The 19-year-old is viewed as a highly-rated teenager as he is enjoying a great debut season in the MLS with Chicago Fire, where he has scored eight and made six assists in 28 games in 2022.

Duran, rather than moving to one of the elite clubs, will instead be heading to Villa Park. The Villans announced on Monday that they had won the race for the new Colombian international. Aston Villa on their website confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Chicago Fire for the permanent transfer of hon Duran,’. The deal is subject to him passing a medical, as they have already agreed personal terms and obtaining the necessary work visa.’ It is said that Villa paid around £14 million plus performance related add ons for Duran.

Villa’s owners have very big ambitions for the club, and since the appointment of Unai Emery in October, this latest transfer window is another big statement for the team as they attempt to make an unlikely charge for Europe this season. They started the season very poorly under Steven Gerrard but ever since Emery’s arrival he has turned their form around as  they are now 11th in the table, just five points off Brighton in seventh. Chelsea, Liverpool and United were apparently scouting Duran but Villa really thought the chance to sign a highly-rated youngster is not to be passed upon.

Duran leaves Chicago Fire after just one season as his development began at Engivado FC. With the Colombian side, the attacker scored nine goals and four assists, making his senior debut at just 16-years-old. As it stands, it is yet to be revealed whether Duran will directly be part of Unai Emery’s first-team squad or go out on loan. Villa’s current options down the middle are only Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, who have just contributed to nine goals between them this season

However, Ollie Watkins sustained a serious ankle injury against Leeds United while Ings has been linked with a transfer away from the club. Villa moved away from the Premier League relegation zone since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in October as they collected 13 points from six matches under the former Villarreal manager. They subsequently sit in 11th position in the table as they are 10 points above the bottom three and just six adrift of sixth-placed Fulham ahead of their match against Southampton on January 21.

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