Jhon Duran has been told to focus on football – and settle a transfer talk.
Villa's Colombian striker, who was the subject of an official bid from West Ham this week, is now the center of attention from the Middle East. Saudi Pro Club Al-Nassr are reportedly preparing an offer for the exciting 21-year-old.
It will take an extraordinary fee to rule out the striker's release with Villa already ruling out a move for him during this transfer window. However, the importance of EastEnders has added extra spice to this fixture, although the Birmingham club are not interested in discussing the subject.
But money talks, and when quizzed on Duran's future, Villa boss Unai Emery told all his players to focus on the hammers. Asked about the effect speculation was, Emery said: “It's not just with Jhon Duran but other players too.
“I concentrate a lot on how we think and plan each match and each player concentrates on it. There may be some rumors to leave here or come here from other teams. Every team is in the same situation.
“My focus and with the players we have is on the game against West Ham and being professional, mature, responsible and serious. And then of course some players might also be able to leave for other teams in a few days.
“But the group we have here now has to be professional, responsible and play, focusing on every game. We won't know exactly until the last day of the transfer window how many players we can change in this squad – but on Sunday, we are here with the players we have and 100% focused on the match.”
Emery was angry with the reaction of Duran and fellow strike partner Ollie Watkins during Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat in Monaco. He said he had to find a solution and admitted that he had been trying to find one, insisting that they can play together.
He said: “We have been working with both strikers for two years. We've done this – sometimes in practice, sometimes playing games, sometimes via video. We are still in that process. We lost a month because Jhon was sick for three games.
“Tuesday was the first game both played. It didn't work out the way I wanted, but I still have the same ideas. We're trying to determine why. And try to get information about it.
“The first view I had on it. I didn't like how we played in Monaco. But the solution is not with one or two players. It's with the 25 we have.
“We have to find our best structure tactically and mentally. Sometimes we can play with two left backs, with Lucas Digne or Ian Maatsen. Or two right backs with Ezri Konsa and Matty Cash.
“We try to mix the players all over the field. Even the players with the same qualities we will do it. We can play with two strikers like Watkins and Duran. “
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