The future of Jhon Duran at Aston Villa has dominated the headlines at Villa Park over the summer.
The Colombian was widely expected to depart from the Birmingham outfit during the transfer window after a successful campaign.
Chelsea were the first club to pursue the striker but negotiations broke down. Soon after, West Ham were the front runners for Duran with all signs pointing towards a departure before the season.
Villa were also reportedly keen on selling Duran to help fund the transfer of Joao Felix.
Yet, with just a week and a half yet to go before the new season, Duran is still a Villa player and has rejoined the squad after his extended holiday.
Now, it has been revealed that Villa may now keep the striker for the upcoming season with the number nine shirt being offered to the Colombian.
Jhon Duran set to stay at Aston Villa and be given the number nine shirt
Only a few weeks back, the striker looked to have all but left for the Hammers. Duran caused outrage from the Villa fans when he was spotted doing the ‘irons’ sign on Instagram Live.
However, it now seems like the Villa Park faithful may have the chance to forgive the Colombian.
According to journalist Pipe Sierra, Duran is now set to stay at Villa. Talks were advanced with West Ham, however, his controversial ‘irons’ gesture stalled negotiations with the Birmingham outfit now looking for £40 million instead of £35 million.
On top of this, he reported that Villa wants to keep Duran for the upcoming campaign and will give him the number nine shirt.
Read more: When the Champions League draw will be made for Aston Villa.
Only time will tell if Aston Villa have made the right decision
It is difficult to say as of yet if Villa have made the right decision regarding Duran. The striker was brilliant last season despite being deputy to Ollie Watkins.
Duran’s two last-gasp goals against Liverpool at the end of the campaign all but secured Champions League football for the upcoming season.
Yet, his reported conduct throughout the summer does have cause for concern. His ‘irons’ gesture was highly disrespectful to Villa, and fans were rightly angry at the display.
However, if Duran steps up this campaign and gets off to a goal-scoring start, his antics will quickly be forgotten.
