‘Change conceivable’ for Werder Bremen star with confirmed links to Villa

Milot Rashica TEAMtalk

News that midfielder Milot Rashica is set for a last-minute loan move away from Werder Bremen could reignite Aston Villa’s interest.

Rashica, 24, was a player that Villa actively followed last summer. They made an enquiry in September while other clubs were also said to be keen.

Liverpool and RB Leipzig showed an interest but the Kosovo international remained in Germany. The Villans held talks about signing him in September but eventually went for Bertrand Traore.

However, it was claimed ahead of the January transfer window that Dean Smith was still keen on the forward. It is not known if that is the case but his club is pushing for a winter exit.

Sky in Germany are suggesting Hertha Berlin have opened talks over a loan deal for the former Vitesse man.

Werder’s sporting director Frank Baumann said: “If the parameters are right, a change from Milot is conceivable. If that is not the case or a club reports too late, then he will also play for us for the rest of the second half of the season.”

Rashica has recently returned from injury. At his best, he is a player who provides assists and chips in with the odd goal. He has scored 24 times in 82 outings for Werder.

The transfer widow closes on Monday and so clubs will need to move quickly if they want to do a deal.

Smith sets out his stall

Villa managed to get a deal for Morgan Sanson over the line this month. The midfielder penned a four and-a-half year contract with the West Midlanders after joining from Marseille.

Smith made it clear he would only dip into the market if the finances involved were right. That seems to have been the case with Sanson.

While not ruling out further business, he seems content with what he has at Villa Park.

“I said before the January window we wouldn’t be doing very much, unless there was good value out there and we’ve found a really good value offer with Morgan Sanson,” he said.

“I don’t know what the positions are with other clubs but I know we are in a really healthy positions.”

Villa are certainly in a healthy position on the pitch after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Southampton. Ross Barkley headed the winner on 41 minutes to leave them eighth in the Premier League standings.