Aston Villa are increasingly tempted into letting Jhon Duran leave this month amid lingering concerns about his attitude and commitment.
Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected at the club and also spent time as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn, exclusively told Football Insider that behind-the-scenes issues could tempt Unai Emery to let the striker leave.
Further news broke on Monday, as exclusively revealed by Football Insider, that West Ham have submitted an extraordinary £50million bid for Duran.
It is these off-field concerns which Brown insists will force Villa to listen to offers for the striker amid growing interest from West Ham and French giants PSG.
He went on to insist that the fee involved would likely be significant given his performances so far this season, while PSG are “not afraid to splash the cash”.
That comes as a result of the striker’s excellent record of 81.3 minutes per goal across all competitions so far this season, having found the net 12 times in just seven starts.
His goal tally also includes a highlight real of long-range screamers, volleys and eye-catching strikes which have quickly made him a fans’ favourite in the West Midlands.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience working closely with players at the top level including in over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted those issues and concerns have not yet been erased.
“It’s no secret that he can be difficult behind the scenes,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s something about him that just doesn’t click despite his performances on the pitch.
“So it may be that Unai Emery decides he’s more trouble than he’s worth.
“In that case, they could get rid of him in this transfer window for what would probably be a big fee, because he’s clearly a talented lad.
“If PSG come calling, we know they’re not afraid to splash the cash and if they want a player, they’re usually prepared to spend big and get him.
Aston Villa
“Those concerns behind the scenes have just seemed to linger, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Villa entertain talks about his exit.”
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