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By ABDI RASHID Published: 03: 06 AEDT, 25 January 2025 | Updated: 06: 24 AEDT, 25 January 2025 12 View comments Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are reportedly preparing a bid for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.   Duran is Villa's top goal scorer this season with 12 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.   The Midlands club rejected a £57million bid from West Ham for the Colombian this week as it was deemed not high enough to merit serious consideration.   Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are keen on Duran but are aware that they would have to offer £80m for Villa to even consider selling, as reported by the Telegraph.   Al-Nassr's attack is spearheaded by Ronaldo and Sadio Mane but they want a new centre forward to play alongside the pair.   The Saudi club's foreign spots are currently filled but Duran could replace one of their under-21 players if he joins this month.   Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are reportedly preparing a bid for Aston villa striker Jhon Duran Al-Nassr want a new striker to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane Unai Emery admitted that it has been a challenge to play Duran and Ollie Watkins together Villa's record sale was Jack Grealish to Manchester City for £100m nearly four years ago and Duran's value is not far short of that. Al-Nassr currently sit fourth in the Saudi league, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad.    Duran has become one of the hottest properties in Europe this season - and PSG are among other clubs keen on him. Villa are desperate to keep him amid fixture congestion, with the side currently ninth in the Champions League group phase and through to the FA Cup fourth round.   Manager Unai Emery recently admitted that it has been a challenge to get both Duran and Ollie Watkins in his starting XI this term.   'I think I can find a solution for them to play in the starting XI together but they have to try to understand their roles, ' said the Spaniard.   'It is my challenge to get the best from them, individually and then collectively. That might mean playing them together, but we have to work on it from a tactical point of view. ' Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group