West Ham did lodge a bid for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran earlier this week.
However, it is our understanding the club made the offer knowing that Villa had already rejected a €75 million bid from Paris Saint-Germain during THIS transfer window.
It appears clear that West Ham’s bid was made without any real expectation of success. Furthermore, the reported offer of £57 million plus add-ons has been refuted, with Claret & Hugh being told, “It was less than that, the add-ons took it to £57m”
As revealed by Claret & Hugh earlier this morning, the Colombian striker had no intention of signing for the Hammers, feeling “let down and humiliated” during the summer.
West Ham would also struggle to match the striker’s current Aston Villa salary, reportedly £30,000 per week more than the Hammers’ highest earner. Any potential move for the 21-year-old would require another pay increase, which the Irons simply cannot afford.
In effect it would appear that West Ham made a bid for Duran in the full knowledge that a larger bid had been rejected and that the player would need a pay-cut to join.
Additionally, it is understood that Manchester United are extremely keen on Duran, who has several top-level clubs vying for his signature.
