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The future of one player creates another fascinating storyline ahead of Aston Villa’s Premier League opener against West Ham United on Saturday night.

Even though Borussia Dortmund paid £27 million for Germany’s first-choice number nine, Niclas Fullkrug, Julen Lopetegui’s team is still looking to add a younger, more committed striker to their roster.

HITC understands that Aston Villa’s own Jhon Duran remains in contention for a switch to the London Stadium.

West Ham made a bid in the region of £35 million a few weeks ago. Aston Villa are refusing to budge on their £40 million valuation. But, presuming both parties are willing, surely there is a compromise that can be reached with only the two clubs £5 million apart.

Villa boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, has indicated that former Chelsea target Duran could be involved against his potential future employers when West Ham host the Midland giants in an all claret-and-blue clash.

West Ham like Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran

“He is training with us and training well. He came back last week with good spirits, and my idea is I am going to use him,” Emery tells the Birmingham Mail. “I believe in his potential. He helped us last year in some moments being a very important player.

“The most important thing is he is ready and available and he is with us, with our shirt.

“He is young and he has a big potential to exploit. To be here fighting with (Ollie) Watkins for one position and seeing how successful Watkins’ career is here, it’s not easy.