Fredrik Aursnes has spoken out about links to Aston Villa and has suggested he would have turned down any offers that came his way.
The Norway international signed for Benfica last season in a deal worth up to £15 million with add ons.
He started his career in his homeland with Hodd, where he made 106 appearances over four years.
This resulted in Norwegian giants, Molde, bringing the midfielder in.
In 149 games, he scored 17 and yet again spent four years at the club, before moving on again.
A bid of £450,000 saw Feyenoord take the central midfielder to Rotterdam.
After a single season, Benfica came in and signed him for a large fee.
He has since made 28 appearances and played many games for Norway on the international stage.
Despite not being a household name, he is a classy and solid operator who is almost a hidden gem right now.
The midfielder was brought in to replace the outgoing Enzo Fernandez and has done so well.
What has Fredrik Aursnes said?
When discussing a potential transfer, while on international duty, he has said that he wouldn’t have accepted anything.
The Norwegian commented on links: “I heard about the rumours, yes. But I don’t really think there was anything more to it.”
When asked about Unai Emery’s side, he said: “No (I would not have joined Aston Villa). I don’t think it would have been tempting. Money means little. I am happy in Benfica.”
Benfica can offer Champions League football compared to Villa’s Conference League, but the English side could offer better wages.
Despite this, that isn’t a factor that interested Aursnes.
When talking about his current situation, he said: “I am extremely happy where I am now, and right now there is nothing I could think of replacing Benfica with.
“Leaving is not something I’m thinking about right now. Benfica is a fantastic club, and it is not something I want to change for anything.”
With this appearing to be another failed move, there are alarm bells for Villa fans in terms of players rejecting the Villains.
That being said with Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara, there is plenty of quality there.
