Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran set for return to Europe

Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran has reportedly been set for a return to Europe just six months after moving to the Middle East, as Fenerbahce steps up efforts to bring him back this summer.

According to the reports, Fenerbahce have met with Duran to discuss a potential summer transfer, while several Premier League teams line up a move for the 21-year-old striker.

The Colombian international joined the Saudi-rich club from English giants Aston Villa last January for a reported fee in the region of £64 million (€77m), including bonuses – earning himself a significant pay-rise of around £329,105 (€392,500) per week.

Fenerbahce are in advanced talks with the player and his representatives. Football director Devin Ozek has travelled to Colombia to hold face-to-face talks with Duran, according to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.

The Turkish giants are looking to close a deal for an outright season-long loan move for the young striker for £14 million ($20m), which includes paying his full annual salary.

Fenerbahce are making significant moves to strengthen their squad after another disappointing season last time out, after losing the Turkish League title to arch-rivals Galatasaray uder Jose Mourinho.

Jhon Duran in your picture. #9 – Last season, Duran scored 12 goals in 18 appearances for Al-Nassr in all competitions, following his arrival in the Saudi Pro League in January from Aston Villa(Image credit: Getty Images)

Football director Ozek is leading the charge, together with Mourinho, to reinforce the squad to compete strongly on all front, in their quest to snatch the league title from last season’s winners.

Fenerbahce are ahead in the race to sign the talented forward, with Al-Nassr willing to sell Duran. Several Premier League teams, including West Ham, Wolves, and Fulham, are interested in him.

Last season, Duran scored 12 goals in 18 appearances for Al-Nassr in all competitions, after arriving with a positive record of 12 goals in 55 Premier League matches, with limited playing time at Villa Park.

The temptation of returning to European football and reuniting with Mourinho would be hard to turn down.

However, Duran is expected to decide soon on whether to accept Fenerbahce’s offer, while several Premier League teams continue to keep tabs on him.