Duran remains on Chelsea’s radar (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea remain interested in signing Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran despite the striker being ruled out for up to 10 weeks with an injury.
Mauricio Pochettino remains keen to add more firepower to his side this month with the Colombia international emerging as a surprise target last week. Duran has scored twice in the Premier League this season, serving as Ollie Watkins’ understudy up front.
Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney are Chelsea’s chief targets but the club will likely have to wait until the summer to bring in players of that profile.
According to the Daily Mail, Duran remains an option for Chelsea despite the striker picking up a hamstring injury last week.
‘Jhon Duran is now injured, but I am happy with him,’ Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said as he gave an injury update on his side last week.
‘The last action against Everton he was injured. For the next weeks he is not going to be available.’
Duran only moved to Villa Park from Chicago Fire 12 months ago in a deal worth up to £18million.
Pochettino keen on more firepower (Picture: Getty)
The 20-year-old meanwhile has played down talk of a late move to west London but admits it would be a ‘pleasure’ to play for the Blues.
‘I remain focused on Aston Villa,’ Duran told Colombian outlet Win Sports TV when asked about speculation linking him with AC Milan and Chelsea.
‘I am not aware of interest from AC Milan or Chelsea. They are giant clubs, and it would be a pleasure.
‘But I have no knowledge of anything.’
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Chelsea’s problems up front have been well-documented this season with Nicolas Jackson, signed from Villarreal in the summer, leading the line for much of the season, scoring eight times.
Cole Palmer is the club’s top scorer with Armando Broja scoring twice since returning to the side.
The academy product remains heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday.