“I’ve heard there has been problems sometimes in training & with him sulking that he’s not playing, Villa have to sell, we have to generate money before the end of June”- Agbonlahor urges Aston Villa to cash-in on John Duran this summer after hearing about behind-the-scenes problems

This summer was always going to be one of sacrifices at Aston Villa.

Regardless of whether you agree or not with those pesky Profit and Sustainability Rules, the points deductions copped by Everton and Nottingham Forest last term are proof of what can happen if you stray foul of the line.

Aston Villa, despite securing Champions League qualification under Unai Emery, are one of six top-flight needs who need to raise funds via player sales before the end of this month.

And with the identity of those sacrificial lambs becoming clear over the last few days, the response to two potentially imminent exits is likely to be pretty mixed. The departure of Douglas Luiz – HITC understands talks with Juventus are ongoing – will come as a major disappointment.

Luiz was arguably Aston Villa’s most consistent performer in 2023/24, taking his game up a few levels under Emery and emerging as a pretty reliable scorer of goals from midfield too.

Jhon Duran, in contrast, may not be missed quite so keenly. Especially if his departure means Villa can retain the services of top scorer Ollie Watkins, homegrown hero Jacob Ramsey and World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Duran, after all, started only three Premier League games last season. And while his potential is obvious – the Colombian is only 20 while those eye-catching finishes against Ajax, Manchester City and Liverpool is proof of what he can do when given the chance – Duran is perhaps one of those players Villa fans would be more open to relinquishing.

“I think, when Duran has come on, he has affected the game,” former Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor tells talkSPORT (12 June, 12.40pm). “He can hold the ball up, he can score goals, he’s aggressive as well, quick.”

Agbonlahor claims to have been made aware of a few grumbles behind the scenes, Duran scoring more league goals than he started games in 2023/24.

“I’ve heard there has been problems sometimes in training, and maybe with him sulking that he’s not playing,” says the former England forward. “I mean, he’s not going to be guaranteed (to start) when Watkins is your main man and rarely gets injured.

“If you can get £20, £30, £35 million for Duran…

“Villa have to sell. We have to generate money before the end of June.”

According to The Guardian, Villa could earn in excess of the £35 million fee Agbonlahor suggests. The former Chicago Fire starlet is valued at over £40 million. Informal talks have been held with Chelsea about a deal that would see Conor Gallagher move in the other direction, though Villa reportedly feel that such an arrangement is unlikely.

What is certain, however, is that Chelsea are big admirers of Duran.

“Jhon Duran has a long-term contract,” Jonathan Herrera, the powerhouse striker’s agent, told Caracol in May. “It is a club that, having gotten into the Champions League, (provides) a great opportunity.

“But we know that he wants to play. He wants to go out and play. Let’s see. Now, the market is opening. The club is looking at some options and so are we.”

“The interest (from Chelsea) has always existed. The fact that (Mauricio) Pochettino leaves the club (should not affect what happens). The one who wants him, in the end, is the club. There has always been an interest.

“Let’s see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa is ready.”

HITC, meanwhile, understands that there could well be a swap aspect to Douglas Luiz’s Juventus move. Villa may bring England U21 winger Samuel Iling-Junior and long-time target Weston McKennie in exchange.