Liverpool and Aston Villa are leading the race to sign Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica and have now learned what they must pay to land his signature this summer.
The Kosovo international has enjoyed a fantastic campaign in the Bundesliga despite Bremen’s struggles this season and his performances have attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
The Reds are keen to bolster their options in attack, while Aston Villa’s suitability for Rashica will depend largely on whether they can avoid relegation to the Championship.
Both clubs have now learned what they must pay to prise the 23-year-old from Weserstadion, with Gazeta Blic reporting that Rashica will cost €38m (£35m) according to his agent Altin Lana.
Bremen find themselves in the drop zone and are at risk of being relegated of the German top-flight, but Kosovo international Rashica has shone this season.
Primarily used on the left-wing but also able to operate up front or in attacking midfield, he has scored ten goals and provided five assists in 24 appearances this season.
Rashica came through the ranks at Kosovar club Vishtrria before moving to Dutch side Vitesse and then to Bremen in 2018.
He has grown into an experienced international player, making over 20 Kosovo appearances and scoring four goals, usually from the right-wing. He played against England last November in a Euros qualifier match which the Three Lions won 4-0.
Jurgen Klopp and Dean Smith are keen on recruiting Rashica and it is understood he will be easier to buy should Bremen drop into 2. Bundesliga - the German second tier - despite being contracted until 2022.
Elsewhere, Southampton are monitoring the situation, with Ralph Hasenhuttl known to keep a close eye on German football thanks to his 11 years managing in the country.
However, it remains to be seen whether Premier League clubs will be put off or spurred on by the £35m price tag.
