Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
There was a host of speculation surrounding the Colombia international's future over the summer, with West Ham United and Chelsea both believed to be interested in his signature.
However, the transfer window closed with the 20-year-old remaining at Villa Park, and he has scored six goals in nine appearances for Unai Emery's side during the 2024-25 campaign.
The forward has managed four goals in six Premier League appearances, while he famously hit the winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week.
Duran's start to the season has made it difficult for Villa head coach Emery to leave him out of the side, but Ollie Watkins remains the number one centre-forward for the club.
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Real Madrid 'interested in deal for Duran'
According to Football Insider, Real Madrid are closely monitoring the South American's form with a view to potentially making a move for him during next summer's transfer window.
The report claims that the recruitment team in the Spanish capital have been hugely impressed by the forward's start to the season and have now placed him firmly on their radar.
Duran made the move to Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, and he has represented the English club on 58 occasions in all competitions, finding the back of the net 14 times.
Emery hailed the youngster's potential after his winner against Bayern in the Champions League.
"He arrived here two years ago and he is young, his potential is huge. Sometimes he has been impatient and I need to speak to him as a person and connect to him as a person," said the manager.
"As well as a player to try to let him play, putting him on the field because his talent is there and the capacity to help us."
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Real Madrid could sign a centre-forward in 2025
Kylian Mbappe has been operating through the middle since his arrival over the summer, but Real Madrid are believed to be looking to bring in a centre-forward in the summer of 2025.
Endrick, 18, also arrived during the recent transfer window to boost the team's attacking options, but the Spanish and European champions do lack a genuine striker.
Real Madrid would be extremely difficult to turn down, but Villa have allegedly told interested clubs that only offers of around £80m would be considered for Duran.
Matt Law
