Aston Villa super-sub Jhon Duran celebrates scoring against Wolves(Image: Getty)

Barcelona 'make phone call' over Jhon Duran as Aston Villa show their stance

Barcelona have reportedly joined the race to sign Aston Villa super-sub Jhon Duran, who has made an impressive start to the season despite playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins

by · The Mirror

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing up Aston Villa hotshot Jhon Duran following the striker's blistering start to the season.

Despite being behind England striker Ollie Watkins in the pecking order, the 20-year-old is flourishing off the bench, scoring four goals in five Premier League games so far this season, all as a substitute. He made a rare start in the Carabao Cup clash at Wycombe this week, scoring an 85th-minute penalty in a 2-1 win.

Duran actually agreed terms with West Ham in the summer, only for the transfer to fall through because the clubs could not agree a fee, with Villa wanting around £40million. Barcelona, Newcastle and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest in the player, with the former enquiring about his availability, according to reports in Spain.

Catalonian title El Nacional claims Barca sporting director Deco, the former Portugal and Chelsea midfielder, has 'picked up the phone' to Villa with a view to a transfer next summer. Barca’s interest is said to be 'real', with Deco scouring the Premier League for exciting young talent.

And if he continues to play second fiddle to Watkins, the prospect of a move to the La Liga giants may be an attractive one for Duran, who joined Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire for £18million in January 2023.

Debate is growing among Villa fans over whether Duran should be rewarded for his goals with more starts. Manager Unai Emery addressed the issue ahead of Saturday’s 3-1 win over Wolves, which saw Duran score again.

HAVE YOUR SAY! How much is Duran worth? Tell us in the comments section.

Unai Emery is said to be willing to sell Duran for the right price( Image: Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock)

"His process is going up,” said the former Arsenal boss. “He arrived here two years ago and the first six months were not easy for him, but progressively he has played more.

"He had a difficult injury in pre-season last year and he started playing at the beginning of September or the end of August. Progressively he got better and, of course, to compete with Watkins is difficult but he had moments to play and his impact last year was sometimes like now he is doing.

"He is close to being in the starting XI and he has to understand as well how he can play with Ollie Watkins, both in the starting XI, but also sometimes alone in different competitions.

Duran scored against Wycombe in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night( Image: Getty Images)

"I am very happy with how he has started the season and how he started the first training session we did with him in the summer. He was very focused to stay here.

“He has the commitment we need from every player. It is good news to watch him playing, adding more minutes as well. Every minute he is playing with us he is helping us.”

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