When Real Madrid set their sights on something, they usually end up getting what they want one way or another.
The European champions' infamous aggression in the transfer market is backed up by their financial clout and status as a club almost every footballer would love to have on their CV.
According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid have turned their lusty gaze to the Premier League and are willing to send Brazilian wonderkid Endrick Felipe to England as a makeweight in order to get their target – whether they actually need him or not.
Foot Mercato reports that 15-time European champions Real are eager to sign firecracker forward Jhon Duran from Aston Villa.
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The 21-year-old Colombian was close to a move to West Ham United last summer but remained at Villa Park and scored a succession of spectacular goals, including a Champions League winner against Bayern Munich, despite typically starting games on the bench.
Ollie Watkins is the preferred central striker in Unai Emery's tactical system and Duran's future has been subject to renewed speculation with some of Europe's leading clubs now reportedly getting ready to make their move.
Duran has scored seven Premier League goals this season despite starting just four times. He's been in the form of his life by every meaningful attacking metric and the attention of other clubs is inevitable. West Ham have renewed their efforts in the January transfer window but there's every chance Duran could now prove beyond the reach of the Hammers.
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Real Madrid certainly aren't lacking in firepower but the possible departure of Vinicius Jr and subsequent move wide for Kylian Mbappe would create a need to add centre forward depth. The Madrid giants are thought to be willing to offer Endrick on loan as part of a deal to take Duran off Villa's bench and put him on theirs.
The Brazilian is expected to have a big future but, at 18 years of age, is understandably on the fringes of Carlo Ancelotti's side after joining Real Madrid from Palmeiras.
Highly-rated teenager Endrick scored his first goal against Real Valladolid but is yet to play 100 minutes for the LaLiga leaders.
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Villa don't want to sell Duran but his desire to start games is well documented. Should Real Madrid decide to make an offer, Villa's response would likely be informed more by the rest of the deal than the prospect of borrowing Endrick for a few months.
Topics: Real Madrid, Endrick
Chris Nee