Liverpool 'cool their interest in Bremen's Rashica with four more PL clubs keen'

Four more Premier League clubs have their eyes set on Werder Bremen's Milot Rashica as table leaders Liverpool take a step back in the transfer race to the Kosovo forward.

Aston Villa, Brighton, West Ham and Wolves are among the many top-flight teams vying for the 23-year-old's signature.

The Kosovo international has impressed in the Bundesliga this season, scoring seven goals in 18 league appearances, and has even gained the attention of European giants Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Liverpool were thought to be the club from England with the most interest in the winger, who can also play in attacking midfield, but according to Sky Sports, they have cooled their pursuit.

However, those who are still interested in signing Rashica could get him at a discounted price if the imminent return of the Bundesliga means Bremen are relegated before the middle of June.

Bremen are 17th, sitting four points from 16th and the relegation play-off, and if they drop out of the league before June 15 then his release clause drops to just €15million (£13m).

Signing Rashica at such as price would be a steal as he regarded as one of Kosovo's hot prospects with 25 caps and four goals, and even lined up against England in the recent European Qualifier in Pristina.

But, should any club look to press ahead with a summer move now, the buyout clause has been set at  €38m (£31.5m).

Rashica, who came through the youth ranks at FC Vushtrria, moved to Bremen from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem in January 2018 and is contracted until 2022.