Two London clubs are 'making offers' for an exciting centre-forward, amid interest from the Portuguese giants
Fulham and Brentford are both linked with a January transfer of Chicago Fire forward Jhon Duran, who has emerged as a key target for both clubs.
Reportedly both teams have 'made offers' for the 19-year-old, but Aston Villa and Portuguese giants Benfica are also interested.
With Fulham and Brentford both in need of attacking reinforcements, Duran represents a smart option and a good long-term investment for the future.
Fulham could see the youngster as someone who can compete with Aleksandr Mitrovic and Carlos Vinicius, while Brentford are likely to need a replacement for Ivan Toney as he is linked with moves elsewhere and could potentially face a ban for gambling infractions.
Duran began his career in his native Colombia, before joining the Chicago Fire in 2021, where he has since become a key player for the MLS team.
This season, the young striker has scored eight goals and five assists in 27 league appearances, his best campaign to date.
The powerful and quick striker is excellent at advancing with the ball and on this day is also an excellent finisher.
As an exciting young left-footed striker… it's impossible not to see similarities to a young Romelu Lukaku.
The Chicago Fire will be desperate to keep Duran going into the 2023 season, but will have to fend off growing interest from Europe.
His contract is due to expire in 2024, so they are under no pressure to sell imminently, however, a large offer in January could convince the Americans to sell.
Duran is currently teammates with former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri and Chelsea loanee Gabriel Slonina in Chicago, so he may believe he too could have a career in the English top flight.
As mentioned, the London duo have already 'made offers' for the youngster, while Aston Villa and Benfica have also shown interest, according to CalcioMercatoWeb.
Villa already have two decent centre-forwards in Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, but with Unai Emery looking to add some firepower to his squad, signing another striker isn't out of the question.< /p>
Benfica also need reinforcements in the frontcourt as it looks increasingly likely that Goncalo Ramos will leave in January or at the end of the season after dazzling at the World Cup for Portugal.
However, it's always a risk to sign a young striker. Injuries, headlines and goal droughts are all notorious for sabotaging a player's career, regardless of their potential, so all suitors will need to keep that in mind in January.
Duran is not like other young forwards, with valuable experience under his belt having already made three appearances for Colombia.
Transfermarkt values the youngster at around £6million, but with all the interest going on a triple fee of that size could be needed to force a move this winter.
READ MORE: Vieira makes no apologies for poor Palace as Fulham boss dedicates win after 'sad week'
Fulham and Brentford are both linked with a January transfer of Chicago Fire forward Jhon Duran, who has emerged as a key target for both clubs.
Reportedly both teams have 'made offers' for the 19-year-old, but Aston Villa and Portuguese giants Benfica are also interested.
With Fulham and Brentford both in need of attacking reinforcements, Duran represents a smart option and a good long-term investment for the future.
Fulham could see the youngster as someone who can compete with Aleksandr Mitrovic and Carlos Vinicius, while Brentford are likely to need a replacement for Ivan Toney as he is linked with moves elsewhere and could potentially face a ban for gambling infractions.
Duran began his career in his native Colombia, before joining the Chicago Fire in 2021, where he has since become a key player for the MLS team.
This season, the young striker has scored eight goals and five assists in 27 league appearances, his best campaign to date.
The powerful and quick striker is excellent at advancing with the ball and on this day is also an excellent finisher.
As an exciting young left-footed striker… it's impossible not to see similarities to a young Romelu Lukaku.
The Chicago Fire will be desperate to keep Duran going into the 2023 season, but will have to fend off growing interest from Europe.
His contract is due to expire in 2024, so they are under no pressure to sell imminently, however, a large offer in January could convince the Americans to sell.
Duran is currently teammates with former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri and Chelsea loanee Gabriel Slonina in Chicago, so he may believe he too could have a career in the English top flight.
As mentioned, the London duo have already 'made offers' for the youngster, while Aston Villa and Benfica have also shown interest, according to CalcioMercatoWeb.
Villa already have two decent centre-forwards in Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, but with Unai Emery looking to add some firepower to his squad, signing another striker isn't out of the question.< /p>
Benfica also need reinforcements in the frontcourt as it looks increasingly likely that Goncalo Ramos will leave in January or at the end of the season after dazzling at the World Cup for Portugal.
However, it's always a risk to sign a young striker. Injuries, headlines and goal droughts are all notorious for sabotaging a player's career, regardless of their potential, so all suitors will need to keep that in mind in January.
Duran is not like other young forwards, with valuable experience under his belt having already made three appearances for Colombia.
Transfermarkt values the youngster at around £6million, but with all the interest going on a triple fee of that size could be needed to force a move this winter.
READ MORE: Vieira makes no apologies for poor Palace as Fulham boss dedicates win after 'sad week'
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