Well known for his famous ‘Here we go’ on transfers that get over the line – but breaking the news before clubs and most other ‘in the know’ journalists, Fabrizio Romano has gained a reputation for having his finger on the pulse and of course is a very close contact of West Ham United’s technical director Tim Steidten: So, when Romano offers updates to the Jhon Duran saga and potential suitors who are interested – we all sit up and take notice.
Having failed – for reasons which are still shrouded somewhat in mystery – to sign the Colombian goal scoring prodigy in the Summer from Aston Villa, The Hammers have been forced to come to terms with the double whammy of ‘alternative’ purchase Niclas Fullkrug limping sick-bay bound during the international break plus increasing stories of other clubs circling to compete for Duran’s signature if Villa decide to cash in during the January window.
Fabrizio Romano, in his ‘daily briefing’ 27th September, confirmed that Barcelona interest is ongoing but as yet there are ‘no active negotiations‘ between the La Liga giants and Aston Villa or the player’s agents. This following on our earlier article confirming that Barcelona aren’t the only club interested in pursuing a bid for Duran: Inter Milan Chelsea and Newcastle are reportedly considering a bid in the January window which is scarily just over twelve weeks away!
However, often of course this talk of ‘other clubs bidding’ is just agent speak or club speak to garner higher offers for their players. Whilst ‘No formal negotiations’ remains the status of interest from Barca, West Ham might just be in with a shout.