Keith Wyness: Aston Villa contacts were 'begging to get rid of Duran' after new twist

Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness has revealed his contacts at Villa Park were begging him to help “get rid” of Jhon Duran during the summer transfer window.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the Colombia international has to remain consistent after his recent purple patch.

Duran was heavily linked with a move away from Villa during the summer window after growing frustrated at his place within the squad.

The 20-year-old caused fury among the club’s fans after appearing to cross his arms to make an Irons-shaped gesture on social media following links to West Ham.

But the forward remained with the West Midlands giants and has enjoyed a strong start to the season after scoring six goals in 10 matches, including the winner in the 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich last week.

Villa confirmed on 7 October Duran has now signed a contract extension until 2030 following his excellent form.

Jhon Duran could be star of the future after Aston Villa form

Wyness believes the striker could be a star of the future if he continues his recent progress.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Some of my Villa contacts were just begging to help get rid of him in the off-season. 

“They were saying ‘Please, tell me and I’ll drive the car to drop him off at the station’.

“But what a sensational run he’s had and to score the goal against Bayern Munich, it’s fantastic.

“The club have said that it was always in their plans from the start of the season to give him a new contract, which they have done.

“Obviously, the manager believes in him.

“Don’t forget, he’s only 20 and so he may have been perhaps unsure of his confidence and his ability, but it’s certainly come back.

“He’s looking like a real star for the future. Let’s just hope he keeps his feet on the ground because it’s a long way to go yet.

“One good run of scoring goals and coming off the bench doesn’t make your whole career.

“You have got to be consistent and let’s hope he does that because he’s an exciting talent with a great left foot.”

In other news, Aston Villa chief faces “rude awakening” after Celtic reveal.

For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Keith Wyness: Aston Villa contacts were 'begging to get rid of Duran' after new twist appeared first on Football Insider.