ASTON VILLA have snubbed FORTY bids for a starlet – as Unai Emery reckons the bit-part striker will become world class within a year.
Chelsea reportedly offered more than £40million for the striker over the summer and West Ham were then also linked with the 20-year-old.
But it’s claimed Villa chief Emery stood firm because “he is 100 per cent convinced” the Colombian will soon turn into a priceless asset.
The player in question, Jhon Duran, is frustrated at starting so rarely.
Yet he only arrived at Villa Park in January 2023 following two years in the MLS with Chicago Fire.
Duran notched five Premier League goals last season from 23 appearances, of which TWENTY came off the bench.
This term he’s taken his super-sub status to new heights, with two winners after coming on in Villa’s first three top-flight games.
England ace Ollie Watkins, 28, remains Emery’s first-choice up front.
But Villa’s president of football operations Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo – known as Monchi – explained why the South American has stayed put.
Monchi told the Mirror: “Unai is very confident with Jhon Duran. Very confident.
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“He thinks he can become one of the best strikers in the world in the next 12 months. He is 100 per cent convinced.”
However, Monchi admitted Duran’s hunger to start has caused a headache.
He explained: “He thinks he is better than Watkins.
“That is normal because every player thinks he is better than their team-mates.
“To manage 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.”
