Real Madrid have reportedly joined the scramble for in-demand Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran.

Duran, who is Villa’s top scorer this season with 12 goals in 28 appearances, is rated as one of the most talented young strikers in Europe. West Ham have coveted Duran for a while but Champions League contenders Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi powerhouse Al-Nassr are also tracking the 21-year-old.

Now, according to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid have entered the race for Duran. Villa are eager to hang onto the Colombian during this transfer window. Duran extended his contract until 2030 in October and it would take an astronomical offer for Villa to cash in now.

READ MORE: Loïc Badé confirms his stance on transfer after £25m Aston Villa bid

READ MORE: The transfer status of every Aston Villa player in the final week of the winter window

Foot Mercato states that Duran’s preference is a move to Al-Nassr, where he would team up with Cristiano Ronaldo, but Madrid’s interest could change things. The report says Madrid ‘will have arguments to put forward’ in the battle for Duran and could make space for him in their squad by loaning out talented teenager Endrick.

Endrick, whose current value on transfermarkt stands at €40million, joined Los Blancos from Brazilian club Palmeiras in the summer. The 18-year-old has scored four goals in 20 appearances for Real Madrid, including a strike in the Champions League win over Stuttgart.

Villa manager Emery can’t control speculation around Duran, but he has ordered the striker to focus on today’s game against one of his suitors, West Ham.

"It is not only with Jhon Duran but other players as well,” Emery said of transfer speculation. “When we are inside, I am focusing a lot on how we are thinking and planning each match and every player is focusing on it. Maybe some players can be in some rumours to leave from here or come here from other teams, but I think every team is in the same situation.

"My focus and with the players we have is on the match against West Ham and being professional, mature, responsible and serious. And then of course maybe in a few days some players can leave as well and some players can join from other teams.

"But the group we have here now has to be professional and responsible and play, focusing on each match. Then, I don't know exactly until the last day of the transfer window how many players we can change in this squad - but on Sunday we are here with the players we have and 100 per cent focussed on the match."

What do you make of interest in Duran? Have your say HERE