Chelsea-linked striker responds to speculation amid Armando Broja 'loan interest'

Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran says “it would be a pleasure” to play for teams as reputable as Chelsea and AC Milan, but is not aware of any interest.

The Colombian has been playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins at high-flying Villa this season, making all 14 of his Premier League appearances from the substitutes' bench.

The 20-year-old joined Villa from Chicago Fire last January in a deal that could eventually be worth £17.5m, with his signing a play for the long-term rather than one earmarked for immediate success in the first team.

It was reported earlier this week that Chelsea had earmarked Duran as a potential short-term option up front, owing to continued injury problems for blockbuster summer signing Christopher Nkunku, although no firm decision had been made over whether to pursue the eight-cap international.

Discussing the links while away on international dury, Duran said: "I have my head in Aston Villa.

"I am not aware of interests from AC Milan or Chelsea. They are giant clubs, and it would be a pleasure, but I have no knowledge of anything. As a child you dream of playing there."

Mauricio Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino has attempted to defuse talk of a new striker being targeted / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

Chelsea's desire to sign a high-profile new striker is no secret, with Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Evan Ferguson just three of a number of players who have been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues currently have Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja on their books, though the latter has barely had any opportunities after recovering from long-term injury.

The Guardian report that Broja is generating interesting from Wolves, in what would in all likelihood be a loan deal, having previously been on the radar of West Ham United. The 22-year-old, surprisingly to some, signed a new six-year contract in September last year following a summer of speculation linking him with a move away from west London.

Broja previously spent time on loan at Southampton, scoring six goals in 32 Premier League appearances.

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