West Ham will weigh up an improved offer for Jhon Duran, with Aston Villa holding out for £40million for the Colombia striker.
The Hammers saw a bid rejected in excess of £30million, also including the offer of 18-year-old midfielder Lewis Orford.
Villa are holding firm to their £40million price tag for Duran, who was subject to strong interest from Chelsea earlier this summer.
The Blues have retained that interest but were not thought to be prepared to meet Villa’s valuation of the 20-year-old forward.
Duran is understood to be open to the West Ham move, but now the transfer could hinge on whether the Hammers return with an improved offer.
Villa signed Duran in an £18million deal from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023.
The 10-cap Colombia star struck five goals for the Birmingham club last term but sits behind England striker Ollie Watkins in the Villa Park pecking order.
The ambitious Duran is understood to be determined to make his Premier League mark, and while happy at Villa, is also prepared to move clubs to achieve that aim if required.
