Aston Villa have been busy in the transfer market this summer.

After manager Unai Emery guided the club to Champions League football, they have strengthened their squad this summer to help them cope with a difficult season.

Emery could sign another player if one of his attacking players leaves the club at a late stage.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Jhon Duran could leave the club at the last minute, forcing Villa to bring in an attacking player.

Duran had been linked with a move away from Villa Park all summer and West Ham United came close to signing him this summer. However, they failed to reach an agreement with Villa over the transfer and instead signed Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.

Romano has now told GiveMeSport that the striker may leave before the transfer deadline.

He said:

“Villa will consider other options. I think it is very important to understand what will happen with Jhon Duran, because if they get a big offer for Jhon Duran, he can leave the club at the last moment, and then they still need an attacking player.

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“Or, if Duran stays, I think a number nine clearly won’t be a priority, and obviously Ollie Watkins as well. Maybe they could consider a winger like (Raheem) Sterling, but at the moment it’s not anything concrete, but that type of player.”

Duran is aiming for more playing time and that is something he cannot get at Villa Park.

The striker is second choice at the club, behind Ollie Watkins, and his chances in starting will be limited.

Aston Villa reportedly in need of new striker if Jhon Duran leaves

The West Midlands club have been linked with a move for Chelsea’s ousted Raheem Sterling, but according to Romano nothing has happened on that front yet.

It all depends on what happens to Duran and his decision to stay at the club or leave will determine the choices Villa make in the near future.

If he leaves the club, a new number nine will be needed as it could be risky to rely on Watkins all season.