Chelsea are serious in their pursuit of Aston Villa striker, Jhon Duran, according to journalist, Ben Jacobs.

He, however, added that no deal has been agreed between parties involved.

He said that the Blues see the striker as the ideal signing for their squad.

Jacobs told GiveMeSport that Chelsea do not want to pay the £40 million fee reported by the media.

According to him, the Blues want a deal in the region of their valuation of £25 million for the player.

“So my understanding is that nothing is agreed yet, despite some suggestions that a £40 million package was already verbally in place.

“That’s not my understanding. Chelsea are negotiating and perhaps hoping for a lower fee than that number, regardless of Villa’s valuation.

“But Chelsea are quite serious at the moment about Duran,” he added.

The player signed a 5-year deal with Unai Emery’s side but is said to be eager to move to Stamford Bridge.