Surprise Jhon Duran update after West Ham's bid for Fullkrug

Jhon Duran to West Ham seemed an almost done deal around ten days ago when Duran's agent Jonathan Herrera revealed that he can't find a reason why Duran to West Ham won't happen this summer. However, Hammers hopes to sign Duran were dashed when Aston Villa rejected their offer of £32 million plus sell-on clause and academy talent Lewis Orford.

Since then, West Ham have monitored several strikers including the likes of Villarreal forward, Alexander Sorloth and Borussia Dortmund duo Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fullkrug. In the recent few days, West Ham have turned their attention towards signing Fullkrug and recently submitted an opening bid to Dortmund.

As reported by trusted journalist, Florian Plettenberg, West Ham's offer for Fullkrug is €25 million. Now, following up on the Fullkrug bid, Florian Plettenberg has revealed a new update, saying,

"New talks between the clubs have taken place tonight with Borussia Dortmund still demanding €30m all-in for Niclas Füllkrug!

West Ham, not willing to increase their offer of €25m all-in now. Poker ongoing but WHUFC exploring more options.

Most concrete: Jhon Duran! Verbal agreement with the 20 y/o striker is done. Aston Villa demand €30m all-in.

It’s still up to Dortmund as finalizing the Duran deal won’t be an issue."

- Florian Plettenberg

Surprise Jhon Duran update after West Ham's bid for Fullkrug

According to the report, West Ham's €25 million offer falls short of Dortmund's €30 million demand. Also, West Ham aren't willing to increase their bid considering the fact that Fullkrug is already 31-years-old and may take time to adapt to the Premier League.

This isn't surprising considering his importance for Borussia Dortmund last season and the fact that Karim Adeyemi is yet to show his full potential, Dortmund won't want to sell their star forward easily. However, a surprising detail is that West Ham haven't ruled out signing Jhon Duran instead.

The Aston Villa star isn't a quality forward yet, however he is only 20-years-old and has adapted well to the Premier League's pace and physicality. On top of that, if Duran improves his finishing, he can be the long term number nine for the Hammers.

Personal terms with Duran have been agreed weeks ago and Aston Villa look to be lowering their demand for Duran. If that is the case and considering the negotiations with Borussia Dortmund prove to be difficult, West Ham should try and complete the signing of Jhon Duran this summer.