'Sell': Former Aston Villa midfielder makes Jhon Duran stance amid striker speculation
A former Aston Villa midfielder believes the club should make a big call to sell striker Jhon Duran - despite Unai Emery wanting him to remain at Villa Park.
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The Columbian forward has been the subject of much speculation over the last two transfer windows.
In the summer, he was linked with potential moves to Chelsea and West Ham, and last week the Hammers reignited their interest in the Villa man.
The London club saw a £57m bid for the striker rejected by Villa - however Duran's future is expected to remain uncertain until the transfer window closes on February 3.
Villa boss Emery has always insisted he wants Duran, who has scored 12 goals across 29 appearances in all competitions so far this season, to remain at Villa Park.
After Sunday's draw against West Ham, Emery admitted that the current circumstances and the speculation around his striker were not ideal - but he added that he wants Duran, 'here with us'.
So far this season Emery has changed his front line, to give game time to both Duran and England striker Ollie Watkins, with both having to spend periods on the bench.
For that reason, former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes it may be the right time to move Duran on. He believes trying to keep both strikers happy at Villa Park may be detrimental to their season.
He said: "I think he has got his opportunity this season and he has made a big impact. Obviously there are clubs talking about big fees and there has been an impact.
"When Ollie Watkins came off today I thought he was excellent, he held the ball up well and then he takes him off, and what does Jhon Duran bring to the side? He is keeping them happy.
"He has brought goals but for me Watkins is the all round striker, he would stay in my side all day long.
"Duran still has a lot to learn and with his head being turned, do they have to get the right money for him and get him out of the door?
"He will have a fantastic career, but I would keep Ollie Watkins and stop any disruption.
"Ollie Watkins played the most games and was massively successful last season. I would sell him (Duran), because it is hard to keep a rhythm and momentum when you are chopping and changing your centre forward."
