Aston Villa hijack move West Ham are putting in place for January

West Ham have already made arrangements to buy a striker in January, but not if Aston Villa is involved. If West Ham had their way in

the summer, Jhon Duran, Aston Villa’s backup striker, would be leading the line for Julen Lopetegui’s side right now. The Duran saga has

been widely publicized. As ties grew stronger throughout the summer, West Ham fans saw the Colombian star as just what the club

needed in attack. Duran also seemed willing to leave Aston Villa for West Ham. He infamously made a crossed Hammers motion on a live

social media broadcast, fueling speculation that West Ham and Villa had reached an agreement. However, West Ham refused to pay Aston

Villa’s £40 million asking price.

And, as confirmed by a top club source over the weekend, technical director Tim Steidten chose to recruit Niclas Fullkrug instead. The

jury is still out on whether that move will be successful, since Fullkrug remains out injured until after the October international break.

Most West Ham fans agreed that the team should have signed two strikers. Duran’s redemption arc at Aston Villa has been tough to watch

for the Hammers, as well as Steidten and the club’s owners. Rumours are still circulating that the Hammers may try to persuade Aston

Villa to sell Duran again. However, he isn’t the only striker the team is interested in. West Ham have made the second fewest major

chances in the Premier League so far under their new manager. The Irons have scored just six goals in their first six games. Steidten

appears to have understood he needed to buy a second striker.

And the German is allowing Lopetegui to select one ahead of the January window. There could be an issue, however, Because Aston Villa

is attempting to hijack the transfer West Ham is planning for January, yet it could be beneficial.

JUST IN: Aston Villa hijack move West Ham are putting in place for January