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James GoldmanPublished Jun 14, 2024, 3:03pm|Updated Jun 14, 2024, 3:04pm
Chelsea are conducting background checks on Jhon Duran having been given permission to discuss personal terms with the Aston Villa striker.
The 20-year-old is understood to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge but a transfer is dependent on Chelsea offering Villa at least one player in part exchange.
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca would welcome the addition of a new centre forward to compliment the forwards he will already have at his disposal in the shape of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
Duran joined Villa last summer from Chicago Fire for a modest fee in the region of £15million.
The 20-year-old showed flashes of potential during his maiden season in England but was largely forced to play second fiddle to the prolific Ollie Watkins.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Duran has a reputation for being something of an ‘unusual character’ and want to be sure he boats the right personality traits to flourish under Maresca.
Villa, however, insist he is not deserving of a reputation as a ‘bad lad’ with the player never having missed a day of training.
Of the players the Midlands club could target in exchange for their raw but talented striker, Ian Maatsen is emerging as a potential candidate.
The Netherlands international was disappointed not to have been given a chance to thrive under Mauricio Pochettino and subsequently enhanced his already burgeoning reputation following his impressive loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Villa, meanwhile, have expressed an interest in Conor Gallagher but any deal involving the England international will be separate to a transfer centering on Duran.
Asked if he sees himself at Chelsea next season, Gallagher said on Thursday: ‘Well, I am a Chelsea player right now and like I said, now I am just thinking about England and the tournament.’
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