AliousWest Ham’s pursuit of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran is facing an ironic obstacle.
Despite completing their eighth summer signing with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, West Ham still aims to secure a deal with Villa.
The two clubs meet in the Premier League opener this Saturday, adding intrigue to their transfer negotiations.
West Ham has been in talks with Villa for Duran but refused to meet the £35m asking price.
After signing Niclas Fullkrug from Dortmund, speculation persists that West Ham might acquire both Fullkrug and Duran, given their contrasting profiles.
The club is reportedly open to making up to three more signings if they can offload at least three players.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reveals that West Ham is interested in a loan deal for Duran with a purchase option.
However, the move is currently hindered by Danny Ings’ refusal to leave West Ham.
Ironically, West Ham signed Ings from Villa in January 2023, while Villa replaced him with Duran.
Now, Ings’ reluctance to depart is blocking West Ham’s attempt to bring in Duran from Villa.
Duran has expressed interest in joining West Ham, but the transfer depends on whether Ings can be persuaded to join another club, such as his former team Southampton.
This situation highlights the complex and sometimes paradoxical nature of transfer negotiations in football.
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