Chelsea's £42m next summer transfer rapidly accelerates as Man Utd chase £50m wonderkid

We begin Friday’s Premier League transfer rumour roundup with news of Chelsea’s quickening pursuit of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. In recent days, it has been reported that the Blues are closing in on a £42 million for the young forward, with talks supposedly underway over personal terms between the player and representatives from Stamford Bridge.

Now renowned journalist Luis Fernando Restrepo has taken to social media to offer an update on the situation, claiming that a full agreement is set to be completed imminently. Writing on X, the South American said: ‘Good news from the colleague @guilloarango who confirms from London: Tick tock tick tock... Everything is on track for Jhon Jáder Durán to be Chelsea's new reinforcement!’

The 3AM Verdict: Duran has shown flashes of his immense potential during his stint at Villa, and while Chelsea supporters will no doubt be hoping that their club can bring in a more experienced centre forward option alongside the Colombian, this could ultimately prove to be a deal that suits all parties. For their part, the Blues get an exciting young goal-scorer, while Villa receive a hefty fee for a squad player that will go some way towards easing their own financial stresses.

United serious about Yoro

Elsewhere, Spanish outlet AS have delivered another report on Manchester United’s apparent interest in Lille defender Leny Yoro. The Red Devils have been linked with the French teenager in recent weeks, but are now said to be ‘very serious’ about their intent to lure the centre-back to Old Trafford.

A bid that is ‘very close’ to the £50.5 million fee that his current employers are demanding has already been tabled, but there could be hitches in United’s plot to sign the starlet. For one thing, Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be in the hunt, while Real Madrid are keen too. The Spanish giants are unwilling to offer no more than £33.7 million, but could bide their time and look to secure a free transfer next summer, when Yoro’s current contract expires. At the time of writing, it is understood that the player himself would prefer to move to La Liga.

The 3AM Verdict: Yoro is a huge, huge talent, and one who will represent a considerable coup for whichever club is fortunate enough to prise him away from Lille. From United’s perspective, however, they look as if they are facing a considerable uphill battle, and even if the Ligue 1 outfit can be convinced, the player himself may still throw a spanner in the works.

West Ham eye Soule

And finally, West Ham are understood to be keeping tabs on eye-catching Juventus prospect Matias Soule. The 21-year-old winger spent last season out on loan from the Serie A giants at Frosinone, scoring 11 goals in 36 league outings in the process.

According to Fabrizio Romano, that has been enough to capture the Hammers’ attention, with Julen Lopetegui’s men now weighing up the possibility of a swoop for the Argentine. Writing on X, the transfer guru said: ‘Understand West Ham are among clubs showing concrete interest in Matias Soule. Argentine winger could leave Juventus in case of important proposal this summer, all options are still open. West Ham have been monitoring Soule progress in Serie A this year.’

The 3AM Verdict: Soule is undoubtedly a thrilling young talent, and if he makes good on his obvious potential then the Hammers could be bagging themselves a future world beater. This would be a deal with an element of risk attached, however, and it remains to be seen how well the South American would adapt to life in the Premier League.