West Ham United

West Ham United

Premier League • England

Two Prem sides catch Man Utd, Liverpool cold for explosive striker primed for January switch

Jhon Duran, Chicago Fire, October 2022

Premier League pair West Ham United and Everton have made contact with Jhon Duran regarding a January deal, jumping ahead of other interested sides.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Duran has already caught the eye of many. In 27 MLS games last season, he bagged eight goals and provided five assists.

The Colombian finished as Chicago Fire’s top scorer. That is no small feat for a youngster playing in his first season in the league.

Following his breakout season, he caught the eye of some big sides. Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been the subject of reported interest.

The former side have apparently contacted Chicago Fire regarding a potential deal.

However, it is another Premier League pair that have now raced to the top of the pile.

The Sun reports that West Ham and Everton have now lodged their own interest in the Colombian.

Indeed, that report suggests both clubs have been in contact regarding a potential move.

West Ham, Everton jump queue for Duran

Either of those sides could now be in the lead in the race for Duran, too. The report states that the 18-year-old is being advised to join a ‘smaller side’ if he does make a move to the Premier League.

Indeed, West Ham and Everton are evidently smaller than United and Liverpool.

What that means, though, is they likely have a better chance of landing the forward. His game time would surely be better at either of those sides than with a club higher up the league.

While Duran will want to prove himself, playing for any top-flight English club could allow him to do that.

Chicago could cash in on star

Duran is evidently one of Chicago’s most influential players after just one season at the club. However, they were unable to make that count, finishing 12th out of 14 sides in the Eastern conference.

That poor season could be the catalyst for them to sell the striker.

The Sun suggests that the Fire ‘could be prepared’ to le him go ‘following their disappointing season’.

Given the report states he is valued around £10million, they would be making a decent fee. That is one that any Premier League side would be able to pay.

As such, one of West Ham or Everton could find themselves with a very promising attacker up top soon.

READ MORE: Transfer Gossip: Liverpool to hijack agreed Man Utd deal for lethal forward who’s ‘gone’; Chelsea can spring unpopular January surprise to sharpen blunt attack