Aston Villa's Bid for Morgan Rogers Denied as Unai Emery Targets Winger for Squad Strengthening

Middlesbrough has turned down Aston Villa’s initial offer to acquire forward Morgan Rogers, as manager Unai Emery aims to strengthen the team’s attacking options. Villa, under Emery’s management, has identified Rogers as the primary target for the current transfer window. Despite Boro swiftly rejecting Villa’s initial bid, it remains uncertain whether Villa will return with an improved offer.

The 21-year-old Rogers has left a positive impression, particularly in Middlesbrough’s recent FA Cup clash against Villa. Starting his career at West Brom, Rogers joined Manchester City in 2019. After loan spells at Lincoln, Bournemouth, and Blackpool, he made a permanent move to Boro last summer. Rogers has contributed two goals in 25 league appearances this season.

Aston Villa has been searching for a winger since the previous summer, with Jonathan Rowe from Norwich being another player they have been monitoring. Emery has expressed interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but the 21-year-old recently extended his contract with the Spanish club.

In addition to a winger, Villa is reportedly looking to sign a right-back to provide competition for Matty Cash. While awaiting the arrival of 18-year-old right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade in a £6.5m deal (with a loan-back agreement to the Serbian club), Villa has explored using Ezri Konsa in the right-back position during the current campaign.

As Villa continues to shape its squad, several players, including Calum Chambers, Kortney Hause, Leander Dendoncker, Tim Iroegbunam, and Bertrand Traoré (currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso), could potentially be moved during this transfer window. The club has already facilitated the permanent transfer of midfielder Finn Azaz to Middlesbrough for £2.5m and sent versatile defender Ben Chrisene on loan to Blackburn.