‘Special’ striker has decided he wants to join West Ham and play for Julen Lopetegui

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West Ham United continue their search for a new striker this summer having already missed out on a number of targets.

The Hammers have seen a new dawn rise at the London Stadium this summer following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham will not have to worry about a congested schedule having failed to qualify for any form of European football.

But this will give Lopetegui with an opportunity to put a real focus on getting the players up to scratch with his ways of working.

However, the Spaniard may feel his squad is lacking a reliable striker as he welcomes the players back for pre-season training.

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‘Special’ striker wants to play for Julen Lopetegui

The Hammers have been working this summer to bring in a new striker with Michail Antonio’s future remaining in doubt.

West Ham have been linked with a potential move for Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson over recent weeks.

However, there is now the feeling a deal for the Englishman is unlikely after Newcastle escaped the PSR deadline – although Saudi interest remains.

But the Irons have now turned their attention elsewhere with Lopetegui’s appointment looking crucial.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has now given the greenlight to make the move to east London this summer.

“For Jhon Duran, Aston Villa always wanted something around £40 million. So let’s see if maybe with some add-ons, they can reach an agreement and get the deal done,” Romano told GiveMeSport.

“The player already said yes to West Ham, he is attracted by the possibility of working under Julen Lopetegui. So for sure, Jhon Duran-West Ham is a concrete possibility.”

What Jhon Duran could bring to West Ham

Villa manager Unai Emery has waxed lyrical about Duran in recent months having hailed the striker as ‘special‘.

The 20-year-old striker played 23 times for Villa but with the majority of those appearances coming as the backup to Ollie Watkins.

In those games, Duran was able to provide a return of five goals in the league which may be a concern to some West Ham fans.

However, it is apparent Emery has high hopes for the youngster who has shown his incredible defensive work on top of his talent in attack.

At just 20-years-old, there is still a lot of room for improvement for Duran and it seems he feels Lopetegui could guide him in the right direction.