Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has said that West Ham transfer target Jhon Duran did “want to leave” the club during the summer transfer window.

The Hammers had a £30m (plus Lewis Orford) bid rejected by the Villans, while Chelsea also held talks with the Midlands club. Speaking to The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Monchi claimed there were dozens of teams interested in the Colombian international but they wanted to keep him:

“If there is a club that really thinks Duran can become one of the top strikers in the world – then that one club is Aston Villa and that one manager is Unai Emery. There are no fewer than 40 clubs who want Duran – because everyone wants Duran.”

“[Emery] is very confident with Duran. Very confident. He thinks in the next year he can become one of the best strikers in the world. But what is the problem? We have Watkins and Duran wants to play. He thinks he is better than Watkins. That is normal.”

“To manage Watkins and Duran is not easy but it is the best for the team. If you have two big strikers it is better than only one. Did Duran want to leave the club? Yes. That is normal because he wants to play. But now we spoke with him and he is happy.”

The ship has sailed for West Ham

Although there have been claims since that the Irons have retained an interest in Duran, it seems unlikely that the London club will revisit the deal anytime soon.

Not only have they signed Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund but there are now reports that West Ham don’t even have the funds to bring in a centre-back on a free transfer. The coffers are well and truly empty.

Will the club regret missing out on Duran?

Based on the Colombian’s excellent start to the campaign, West Ham may come to rue not making a more concerted effort to secure the player’s services.

Duran has already hit the back of the net twice in his first three appearances, despite the fact that he has only spent 82 minutes on the pitch.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here