Chelsea are interested in a move for Aston Villa youngster Jhon Duran… with Blues chiefs considering offers for striker Armando Broja

Chelsea are continuing to show an interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

Duran’s suitability has previously been discussed by Chelsea as they consider offers for Armando Broja. 

Villa have already rebuffed an enquiry from West Ham for Duran this month as they want to ensure they have forward cover. 

Villa are expected to continue talks with Middlesbrough for Morgan Rogers and, if successful, may then consider approaches for Duran.

For now Duran remains with Unai Emery‘s side as they look to continue their bid for a top four spot. 

Mauricio Pochettino (right) and Chelsea are monitoring Aston Villa starlet Jhon Duran (left)

Duran has four goals this season – two of which came in the Premier League – and it hasn’t taken long for rivals to start sniffing around the 20-year-old. 

The Colombian headed for Villa last January in an £18million deal from Chicago Fire. 

One of the sticking points at Chelsea is ensuring regular playing time, with Duran having already made 35 appearances this season for Villa. 

Striker has been a problem position for Chelsea this season with Nicolas Jackson having been away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while both Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja have battled injuries. 

The young striker has four goals to his name this season and is beginning to catch the eye

The key to Duran appears to be Villa’s public pursuit of Rogers, who scored for Middlesbrough in Tuesday’s 6-1 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Chelsea. 

Villa made an improved bid for Rogers earlier this week after their opening two proposals were rejected by the Championship club.

Manchester City are due a sell-on fee if the 21-year-old, who cost Boro £1m in the summer, leaves. 

Villa have also made an approach for Iceland goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson from Swedish top-flight side Elfsborg.

Valdimarsson, 22, said: ‘It’s a top club in the Premier League and they play very well. It’s great to see that they are interested. It shows that I played well last season.’