Latest developments
- Barcelona want to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
- Sporting director Deco has met with the Colombian's representatives.
- PSG have also been in the hunt for the 21-year-old.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Spanish source sure of meeting
Interest from super clubs in Jhon Duran shows no sign of slowing down, with Barcelona the latest side to join the race for the Aston Villa man's signature.
That is according to Spanish site sport.es, who claim that Barca's sporting director, Deco, has met with Duran's agent for initial talks ahead of a potential move later this month.
Value (3.5/5): Barcelona wary of overspending
A deal to West Ham was all but done in the summer, only for the Colombian to stay at Villa and score 12 goals in all competitions, including a handful of screamers.
His market value now stands at £33.2 million, though the article claims Villa will want something in the region of £50-£58 million, which could prove tricky for Barcelona as they attempt to keep their finances in order.
Suitability (4/5): Good fit for new Barca
An out-and-out centre-forward, Duran is a better fit for Hansi Flick's Barcelona, which relies on a central threat up front, rather than inverted wingers and false nines that were often deployed under previous bosses.
Confidence, strong form and the absence of a language barrier are also plusses, even if Duran is still quite raw.
Upgrade? (4/5): FCB need more at centre-forward
Issues registering Pau Victor are still ongoing, which means 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski is the only centre-forward available to Flick.
Barcelona need reinforcements, and having taken the place of the previously untouchable Ollie Watkins, Duran will be out to usurp the Polish legend.
Logic (2.5/5): Too much uncertainty?
Duran has really made a name for himself in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League this season. Thus, Barcelona's desire to get in ahead of PSG makes sense.
But having recently earned himself a starting berth, does Duran want to risk becoming another player left in limbo by Barcelona's endless registration and financial problems?
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
Deco making a trip to Birmingham to discuss a deal would be perfectly logical, but Duran's desire to head to Catalonia is questionable.
