Germans knock back interest in Japanese star.
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Bundelsiga side FC Nurnberg have reportedly rejected an approach from Aston Villa for Japanese international midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake, according to Sky Sports.
Villa boss Paul Lambert is rumoured to be a big fan of the 23-year-old and was hoping to add him to the ranks by tabling a £7.5 million bid, but Nurnburg’s general manager, Martin Bader, has confirmed that the offer was rejected.
Bader reiterated the club’s desire to keep a hold of the young midfielder, and insisted that they are in no rush to sell just yet as he remains under contract until 2015 and establishing himself as a key member of the squad since joining the club last summer.
Bader told German newspaper Nurnberger Nachrichten: “I am able to confirm this transfer enquiry from Aston Villa.
“We have made it clear to Aston Villa we have no interest nor intention to sell the player.”
Kiyotake made 32 appearances last season, scoring four goals as the club finished in 10th place in the Bundesliga. He already has 18 international caps to his name and was a part of Japan’s short lived Confederations Cup squad last month.
Villa had identified Kiyotake as the ideal man to fill the number 10 role as they prepare to let Darren Bent leave for a cut price.