Borussia Dortmund beaten to the punch! Niko Kovac loses out on top transfer target as €35 midfielder chooses AC Milan over Bundesliga side

Dortmund have had a mixed transfer window as the German giants secured the signing of Jobe Bellingham, but were overlooked by Rayan Cherki as the Frenchman opted to join Manchester City. Now, Blick reports that another top target, Ardon Jashari, has ignored their advances for a move to Italy.

The decisive round of negotiations between the Rossoneri and Club Brugge is set to take place on Friday to finalise the transfer for the 22-year-old. The fee is reported to be €35 million (£30m/$40m), with the two parties still €5m apart, according to the report.

Jashari only moved to Club Brugge from Lucerne last summer for €6m and immediately made a big impression. He was named the Best Player of the Year in the Belgian Pro League and also took home the Young Player of the Season award after his side won the cup. Jashari played in 52 competitive matches, setting up six goals and scoring four himself.

Dortmund boss Niko Kovac is said to have been pushing for Jashari's signing, but was told by the club that two players would have to be sold before they could approach the Belgian side. Dortmund reportedly had intensive talks with the Swiss international, but it appears they will have to look elsewhere for a new midfielder.