West Ham are being linked with a transfer move for Valencia striker Hugo Duro and are reportedly set to battle it out with Aston Villa for the striker's signature, according to Spanish sources.

Villa are believed to be looking at options should Jhon Duran's continued good form firm up Barcelona's interest in the player. The Colombian striker came close to joining the Hammers, but he now looks set to move on to the Catalan giants if he does leave the Midlands, and Duro could be his replacement.

The 24-year-old striker is valued at EUR30 million, and it is believed that Julen Lopetegui is a known admirer. However, given that Claret & Hugh were briefed on the striker situation by a club source earlier today, it's hard to take this link seriously.

While it's disheartening to see Duran perform so well for Villa when the Hammers were so close to signing him, it's important to remember that Fullkrug was purchased instead. There are certainly no funds available to make another big splash in the transfer window for another expensive forward.