Aston Villa have reportedly laid out their eye-watering demands for much-coveted striker Jhon Duran after rebuffing West Ham United's attempt to prise him away from Villa Park.
The Irons are believed to have failed with a £57m offer for the Colombia international, who boasts 12 goals from 28 competitive matches this season.
Unai Emery is thought to be keen to retain Duran's services for the remainder of the season, but an astronomical offer could supposedly turn the Lions' heads in the final days of the window.
According to talkSPORT, Villa would be receptive to offers of around £85m for the 21-year-old, who is also wanted by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to extend his contract with Stefano Pioli's side, meaning that he could leave at the season, and Duran has apparently been 'sounded out' over a possible switch to Al-Nassr.
Duran only extended his Aston Villa contract back in October, and the South American's terms are not due to expire until the end of the 2029-30 campaign.
Aston Villa 'reject' £7m defender bid
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Sticking with the theme of potential Villa outgoings, the West Midlands club have apparently turned down a £7m offer from Sevilla for fledgling defender Lamare Bogarde.
The 21-year-old is on the fringes of Emery's first team, making eight appearances across all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign including three starts in the Premier League and one in the Champions League.
Bogarde - who was only promoted to Villa's first-team ranks last summer - represents a versatile option for Emery, as the 2004-born prospect can do a job at right-back, centre-back and in the number six role.
However, Football Insider claims that Sevilla recently tested the Lions' resolve with a bid of £7m for Bogarde, although their advances were met with the cold shoulder by the English team.
Emery supposedly believes that the Netherlands youth international will have a fundamental role to play in Villa's future project, and the club will not consider selling him before the January window shuts.
Sevilla apparently made their offer for Bogarde during talks to sell Loic Bade to Villa, but there is now serious doubt over whether the latter will be moving to the West Midlands this month.
West Ham join race for £15m Championship lynchpin?
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From one shade of claret to another, West Ham United have reportedly entered the running to sign Sunderland captain Dan Neil, who is also being watched by Everton.
The 23-year-old has excelled in the middle of the park for the Black Cats, who are vying for Premier League promotion as they occupy fourth place in the Championship table, just four points off Sheffield United in second with a game in hand.
Neil has contributed one goal and three assists from 27 second-tier appearances this season, but his contract expires at the end of next season, potentially leaving Sunderland in a tricky situation if he does not renew.
According to The Guardian, West Ham are 'tracking' the former England youth international, who is valued at £15m by Sunderland, but the Black Cats will do their utmost to keep hold of him.
The report adds that the Irons are working with limited funds this month, which could also scupper their hopes of a winter deal, but Graham Potter's side could make a concerted effort to bring in youthful talent.
Neil has risen through the ranks at Sunderland since 2010 and has now made 177 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, winning the EFL Trophy in the 2020-21 campaign.
Fulham eyeing swoop for Championship right-back?
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Another potential Championship to Premier League mover, Coventry City right-back Milan van Ewijk is apparently being lined up as a possible Kenny Tete replacement at Fulham.
Marco Silva's men lost Tete to a serious knee injury in the middle of December, and the Dutch defender is not expected to return until the end of March or beginning of April.
Timothy Castagne has been filling in on the right-hand side of defence for Fulham since Tete's blow, but according to the Evening Standard, the Cottagers have now expressed an interest in Van Ewijk.
The 24-year-old has started every Championship match for Coventry this season, scoring two goals and setting up one more, and Fulham have supposedly been running the rule over him since his days at Heerenveen from 2021 to 2023.
Silva's men are seemingly fighting an uphill battle to capture Van Ewijk this month, though, as the former Netherlands youth international is said to be keen to finish the season with Frank Lampard's team.
Van Ewijk signed for Coventry for just €4.3m (£3.6m) two years ago, and Fulham reportedly turned their attention to the 24-year-old after dropping their interest in AC Milan's Emerson Royal.
Ben Knapton
