Aston Villa have reportedly made a third bid for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers, said to be worth around £15m in total, including add-ons.
The 21-year-old is impressing so far this season, having contributed seven goals and nine assists in 33 appearances across all competitions.
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Given the ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Villa for well over a week now, it appears as though the talented youngster is a priority for Unai Emery in this transfer window.
According to David Ornstein, Villa had now submitted an improved, third bid to try and prise Rogers away from Teesside, and he notes that it’s worth around £15m in total, including add-ons.
Importantly though, he adds that no agreement has been reached between the two clubs as of yet with talks ongoing, but from a Villa perspective, we’re hopeful that we can secure the transfer early next week.
In turn, coupled with the fee that we’re said to be willing to pay Boro, Rogers has evidently been singled out as a transfer target that Emery believes can significantly improve us moving forward. If the Villa boss and our recruitment team are convinced, it’s hoped that we can wrap up a deal to sign him before the deadline.
Villa do have multiple options in attack already with the likes of Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey, Jacob Ramsey, Nicolo Zaniolo, Emiliano Buendia and even John McGinn able to play in advanced wide roles, but evidently Emery likes what Rogers could potentially add to our squad, and time will tell if that means there will be outgoing movement too at some stage.
With his technical ability, speed, athleticism and physicality coupled with his eye for goal and creativity in the final third, the Middlesbrough ace has impressed with his form this year and looks to have real potential, if he can continue to develop his game.
Further, that versatility to play right across the frontline will also be a useful attribute if he does secure a move to Villa, and so it remains to be seen if we can finally reach an agreement with Middlesbrough, and advance to complete the formalities of the switch.
Villa have already confirmed the signing of 18-year-old right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade this month, and so combined with Rogers, if a move materialises, it appears as though the club have a clear new strategy in the transfer market in terms of scouting and identifying talented young players capable of making a long-term impact under Emery.
