Former Aston Villa future hint just months after big money Saudi Arabia move

Previously linked to Chelsea and West Ham, the 21 year-old Columbian decided to follow a well trodden path in recent years, signing for Saudi side Al-Nassr in a £65m deal.

He has scored seven goals in ten appearances for his new club since his arrival, on the back of 12 goals in 29 games for Villa earlier this season.

Duran's move was one of the league's most high profile deals, after a number of top stars playing in Europe were brought to the country in recent years.

However, the club have now dropped a hint that young stars like Duran have been purchased to then be invested in and sold on in the future.

Former Spain defender Fernando Hierro, who is Al-Nassr's sporting director, said that clubs need to develop and then sell on young talent in a bid to improve the league's standing.

In an interview with AS Columbia, he said: "We have young players like Duran and others, and that’s important for both investing and selling in the future. This will increase the value of the clubs.

“The Saudi Arabian League invites everyone to come and see the Saudi players. It’s an important project for me, one that must be sustainable, as the World Cup will be held here in a few years. I’m pleasantly surprised, and this is attracting the attention of others.”