Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has reportedly been proposed to AC Milan as he could be set for a potential January exit.
The 20-year-old has made 21 appearances so far this season across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist, but he has totalled just 566 minutes of playing time.
READ MORE: Return of influential Villa duo will be fundamental boost for Emery
It’s been a familiar theme for the Colombian international since he arrived at Villa from Chicago Fire in January last year, as he has had to settle for a back-up role behind Ollie Watkins, and so his involvement has been limited.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Duran has been proposed to Milan, who like his profile, but the Italian giants would have to free up a non-EU slot in their squad before making a move.
Importantly though, the report does not confirm if this would be a loan deal or a permanent exit, and so it remains to be seen if Duran has indeed been offered to Milan, and whether or not an agreement can be reached between the two clubs.
As per the Telegraph at the start of this week, they noted that there was indeed growing interest in Duran, and that there was perhaps friction between the youngster and Unai Emery.
In turn, this latest report will add fuel to the fire that a departure may be the desired outcome in the January transfer window, but if that is the case, Villa must absolutely look to sign another forward to replace him this month.
Although Duran’s impact has been limited, he has played a key role in that he has allowed Emery to rest Watkins for certain games, while he provides a different dynamic and threat in the final third with his physical attributes.
If his exit were to leave a void in the Villa squad, it would have to be filled by a replacement that ticks those boxes, and so there could be an important reshuffle up top this month if pieces start to move.
While Duran is undoubtedly talented and seemingly has a bright future ahead of him if he continues to improve and develop his game while gaining experience and maturity with playing time, if Emery feels as though there is an attitude or character problem, it’s important that he protects the balance and harmony within the squad and moves him on.
Frustration over his lack of playing time would arguably be the most obvious reason for that touted friction, but that is ultimately the role we need from him behind Watkins in the pecking order, and so we may well have to find a suitable alternative that fits that profile more effectively for us moving forward.
