CHELSEA have reportedly stepped up their interest in Aston Villa star Jhon Duran.
The striker, 20, has emerged as a shock target for Todd Boehly ahead of deadline day next week.
Chelsea are on the hunt for a hitman with Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja struggling for consistency.
Karim Benzema is a potential option on loan after becoming unhappy at Al-Ittihad.
But the Telegraph claims Duran is a more realistic target due to his young age and smaller wages.
The six-time Colombia international only joined Villa a year ago from Chicago Fire in an £18million switch.
And Duran has since scored four goals in 35 appearances, with most of his minutes coming as a sub.
But the youngster is eyeing an exit as he seeks more regular opportunities.
Villa are said to have already turned down a loan bid from West Ham.
And they could be open to doing business with Chelsea should they complete a deal for Middlesbrough star Morgan Rogers.
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Duran’s potential Stamford Bridge move could rest on the shoulders of outgoings though.
Albania striker Broja is up for sale and has been slapped with a hefty £50million price-tag.
Chelsea could also listen to offers for fellow academy products Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah.
Indeed, it’s reckoned that there will be a “flurry of activity” in west London before the transfer window slams shut.
And Chelsea may get an up-close glimpse of Duran in action when they host Villa in the fourth-round of the FA Cup on Friday night.
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