Jhon Duran urged to 'knuckle down' at Aston Villa after reports of issues | OneFootball

Aston Villa star Jhon Duran could end up being replaced in the January transfer window, if his performance levels continue to dip, journalist Neil Moxley has revealed to GIVEMESPORT.

Duran has shown glimpses of brilliance during his Aston Villa career so far, but it doesn't look as if he's earned the trust of manager Unai Emery yet. It comes amid a brilliant run of form for first-choice striker Ollie Watkins, whose showings are currently keeping Duran out of the side.

But if the teenager doesn't prove his worth to Emery in the coming weeks and months, there are claims Aston Villa could look to bring in another striker somewhere down the line.

Watkins on fire as Duran's gametime dwindles

In a way, you have to feel sorry for Duran. While he was brought to the club as a back-up to star striker Watkins, the Colombia-born starlet hasn't had to do much deputising, such has been the former's record in front of goal this season.

Netting once again during Aston Villa's statement win away to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, Watkins took his tally for the campaign to 12 goals across all competitions, with seven of those having come in the Premier League. Interestingly enough, Duran has one more appearance than Watkins has goals to his name this season, illustrating the contrasting fortunes so far.

Nevertheless, Duran - who has netted four times for Aston Villa this term - has impressed on occasion, but inconsistency has plagued his time at Villa Park.

Duran relationship with Emery may have come undone

In his last update about Duran provided to GIVEMESPORT, Moxley suggested that Emery wasn't particularly sold on the teenager, with the pair having struggled to see eye to eye at times. The reliable reporter claimed that despite Duran's obvious talent as a footballer, there has been a concern about his attitude, amid claims of a 'chequered' past at previous clubs.

It comes after Emery himself had to deny a falling out between the two, after rumours surrounding a developing rift. The striker had appeared to delete all reference to Aston Villa from his social media accounts, before Emery addressed the claims during his post-match interview after the Villans' 4-1 victory over West Ham United:

"The only truth is he was not available to play on Sunday because he was injured. He came back from Colombia being injured. We have to support and to help him every day trying to focus him on only football each training session on how he can improve. How he can progress with us. I am not here to control the social media for each individual player and I asked him about it (via Express & Star)."

Neil Moxley update - Jhon Duran

Now speaking about the ex-Chicago Fire star once again, Moxley claimed Duran's spot in the team could come under threat, if he doesn't show a clear improvement to his game. On the £30,000 per week earner, the journalist said:

Duran hungry for goals in midweek clash

The good news for Duran is that he should get a chance to stand in for the on-fire Watkins during Aston Villa's midweek clash against Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League.

Testament to the incredible work Emery has done during his short spell at Villa Park, the West Midlands outfit have already qualified for the knockouts of the Europa Conference League after four matches. It means ahead of Thursday's clash with table-toppers Legia Warsaw, the ex-Arsenal and Villarreal coach should get a chance to rotate his starting line-up.

Three of Duran's four starts this season have come in this competition, meaning there's every chance Emery gives him an opportunity to shine during the midweek game at Villa Park. If not, the 19-year-old could be waiting a while for minutes, with matches against Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United on the horizon for Aston Villa before the turn of the year.