With Jhon Durán the subject of much transfer speculation in recent weeks, Aston Villa have reportedly been on the lookout for potential replacements with the January transfer window on the horizon.

The Villans' Colombian forward has been linked with moves to European sides Napoli, of Italy, and French club Paris Saint-Germain and has also been recommended as an option for league leaders Liverpool after his spectacular scoring form in the first half of the season. Durán has bagged seven goals in the Premier League this season despite starting just four league games and had displaced England international Ollie Watkins in the starting lineup before his controversial red card against Newcastle United on Boxing Day. The 21-year-old will now miss the next three games against Brighton and Leicester in the league and West Ham in the FA Cup.

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With Durán attracting such attention, even after signing a new long-term contract back in October, Villa must prepare themselves for any bids and monitor any potential replacements. According to CaughtOffside, the West Midlands club are keeping tabs on impressive Atalanta forward Mateo Retegui as a potential option. Villa have had scouts watching the Italy international, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal, over recent weeks.

It would apparently take an offer around the region of €55 million to tempt the Serie A league leaders which a potential sale of Durán could allow, however the claret and blues' biggest setback is the competition from other Italian clubs for Retegui's signature.

Despite Atalanta flying high in the league this campaign, bigger clubs from the nation would be a tempting proposition for the Argentinian-born attacker. Juventus, Roma and Napoli are all said to be in the running for Retegui, who has bagged 12 goals and three assists in 18 Serie A matches, leading the scoring charts alongside Inter Milan's Marcus Thuram.

The potential signing of the 25-year-old would be an impressive coup for the Villans and the pull of Champions League football this season and potential European competition next year providing an incentive for the forward to join Unai Emery's plans.

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