Aston Villa announce agreement for Chicago Fire forward Jhon Duran

Aston Villa have announced that an agreement is in place to sign Chicago Fire forward Jhon Duran.

Before the start of the January transfer window, the 19-year-old was being linked with a transfer to the Premier League courtesy of his form in the MLS.

The Colombia international contributed eight goals and five assists during the 2022 campaign, allegedly leading to interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, it has been revealed by Villa that they have successfully negotiated a transfer fee with their Chicago Fire counterparts.

A club statement read: "Aston Villa can confirm that an agreement has been reached with Chicago Fire for the permanent transfer of 19-year-old striker, Jhon Duran.

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"The deal is subject to the player passing a medical, agreeing personal terms and obtaining the necessary work visa."

Should a transfer be completed in due course, Duran will depart Chicago Fire after just one season, his development having previously begun at Engivado FC.

During his time with the Colombian side, the attacker chipped in with nine goals and four assists, making his senior debut as a 16-year-old.

As it stands, it is yet to be revealed whether Duran will become a part of Unai Emery's first-team squad or go out on loan for the second half of the season.

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Villa's current options down the middle of the attack are Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, who have contributed nine strikes between them this campaign.

However, Ollie Watkins sustained an ankle injury against Leeds United on Friday evening, while Ings has been linked with a transfer away from the club.

Villa have moved away from the Premier League relegation zone since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in October, collecting 13 points from six matches under the Spaniard.

They now sit in 11th position in the table, 10 points above the bottom three and just six adrift of sixth-placed Fulham ahead of a trip to Southampton on January 21.