Chelsea are thought to be mulling over a bid for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran ahead of the January deadline day after seeing Cole Palmer flourish since his £45 million switch from Manchester City in the summer.

The Blues splashed £75 million on strikers Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku last summer, but winger Palmer, 21, has one more Premier League goal than both of them combined, smashing home nine. He has netted 13 across all competitions.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Armando Broja is being linked with a move away as Todd Boehly combats Financial Fair Play regulations. The Telegraph is reporting that Chelsea may look at bringing in Duran, 20, to keep up with attacking numbers.

The eight-cap Colombia striker has scored twice in 12 Premier League matches this season and four in 35 games since his arrival at Villa Park a year ago. He would likely come in considerably cheaper than the £50 million price tag that is being slapped on Broja.

Reports suggest that Villa have already turned down a loan approach from West Ham, with the Hammers now being linked with Broja, who has scored just twice in 18 matches this term. Duran is thought to be open to a move, although he would be cup-tied for the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup campaign.

An approach for the Villans attacker may rest on Broja’s future. Seven of the XI fielded by Mauricio Pochettino against Middlesbrough on Tuesday were aged 25 and under, while all five of his substitutes were 23 or younger. In fact, only six first-team players are older than 25 years old.

Duran would continue the trend of Boehly preferring to sign younger players, while Pochettino continues to mould his squad.

Palmer has been one of the club’s summer success stories, and the Blues could look to repeat their transfer tactic with Duran, who would likely be the third choice on the striker selection list should Broja leave.