Aston Villa are battling champions-elect Liverpool for the signing of Werder Bremen striker Milot Rashica.

The Mirror says Rashica was linked with a move to the Premier League in January and Villa were among his admirers.

But his stunning early season form meant Bremen were demanding £35m to let him go and Villa, like other potential suitors, were unwilling to sanction that level of spending midway through the campaign.

The Kosovo international's form has dipped since the turn of the year - his last league goal came against Bayern Munich in December - but that hasn't stopped fresh speculation ahead of the summer window.

Villa remain very much interested and will compete with Liverpool for Rashica's signature if they successfully fight off the threat of relegation from the Premier League.