Werder Bremen defender Ludwig Augustinsson says reported Aston Villa target Milot Rashica has remained professional despite wanting to move clubs, Sport1 report.
The Kosovo international has been heavily linked with a move this past summer.
Werder Bremen managed to retain their Bundesliga status by the skin of their teeth last season, but it seemingly hasn’t been enough to persuade Rashica to stay.
The German club’s sporting director Frank Baumann recently confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in the £18 million-rated winger while speaking to BuliNews.
When asked about Rashica pushing for a move, Augustinsson says the talented player has remained professional and a good influence in the dressing room.
“Milot is a professional through and through. He continues to spread a good mood in the dressing room. He’s not one to cause trouble just because he wants to leave. We really like to have him with us. We focus on the performance and the fun on the pitch in order to be better than the old season. Milot wants that too. He is still part of us,” Augustinsson explained.
Rashica was absent for Werder Bremen’s clash with Hertha Berlin this weekend.
Kicker reports that Aston Villa are willing to pay £16 million for Rashica, but that figure remains £2 million short of Werder’s asking price.
Dean Smith’s side, meanwhile, have strengthened their attacking options with the arrivals of Ollie Watkins and Bertrand Traore, the latter joining from Lyon.
Traore can play as an attacking midfielder, forward or out wide.
It still leaves a space for the Villans to bring in another winger option and Rashica has the ability to be an exciting acquisition to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old is quick, skilful and direct, posting nine goals and five assists in 26 Bundesliga games for Bremen last season despite their struggles.
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