Jhon Duran's latest comments spark further fury amongst Aston Villa fans

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has said that he is hopeful that something comes of the rumours linking him with a move to a "big team" this summer.

Having joined Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January last year the fans were hopeful that whilst Duran would get the occasional opportunity to play for the first team, that as years went on they would see him develop into a top striker in claret and blue. However, for a while now it seems Duran and his agent have been doing a lot of talking and negotiating to get a move away from Villa Park.

It has been well publicised that Duran had been very keen on a move to Chelsea and his social media activity that saw him 'liking' a large amount of Chelsea content seemed to be working in his favour. Chelsea and Villa were reportedly close to a deal earlier this summer but it has now been revealed that the London club only valued Duran at £20 million whilst Villa want a fee closer to £40 million.

As the negotiations with Chelsea faded, West Ham United entered the picture and are now the most likely to sign the young Colombian international. The Hammers are understood to have had two initial offers rejected but are very close to reaching an agreement with Villa now.

Aston Villa fans have felt immense frustration towards the young forward as a result of his willingness to give up his Villa career at the drop of a hat. This is what he has had to say in the last few hours:

""The fact my name is mentioned with such big teams, it is very important for my career. I'm happy that there are these rumours and let's hope that something concrete happens.""

- Jhon Duran

Duran is currently on holiday following his participation in the Copa America so hasn't been a part of Villa's pre-season schedule thus far. It is highly likely that before or very quickly after the conclusion of that holiday he will get his move.

The fact the player has repeatedly searched for a move and talks about moving to a "big team" when it looks likely he will leave a team about to play in the Champions League for a fellow Premier League team that is not competing in Europe at all next season, will be baffling for Aston Villa fans. It is obvious he wishes to play regular first team football elsewhere as his chances at Villa are limited by the form and class of England striker Ollie Watkins, but his attitude and professionalism have come under scrutiny as a result of these actions and comments.

The tweets below show a selection of thoughts/opinions from the Villa fan base on Jhon Duran and his disrespect to the club.

UTV