CONFIRMED: Aston Villa see opening bid for highly-rated striker rejected by Championship side, Villa poised to return with second bid as Unai Emery identifies player as top attacking target this January
Aston Villa have seen their opening bid rejected by Middlesbrough for forward Morgan Rogers as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his side in the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has only been with the Championship side since joining from Manchester City back in the summer. He has been a regular for Michael Carrick’s side so far this season, playing across the front line.
The forward has scored six times and provided a further eight assists in his 31 appearances in all competitions for the club so far this season. His performances, as well as his versatility, have attracted the interest of Villa who are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.
Various reports suggested that Villa had put in an opening bid for the player, but the PA news agency are now reporting that the offer has been rejected by Middlesbrough. GazetteLive reports that Middlesbrough believe that they are in a strong position for any further negotiations over the player.
Rogers has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with the club. Boro are keen to keep him at the club but may be open to a sale at the right price, having been no strangers to selling their assets in recent windows. The Villans are still expected to return with an improved bid for the player as Unai Emery looks to get his man.
The forward played the full 90 minutes of Middlesbrough’s FA Cup clash against Villa last weekend. Matty Cash’s late goal was enough to see Unai Emery’s team make it through to the next round where they will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Emery currently has Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran as his striking options, although the latter has been linked with a move away from the club this month. While the Colombian is expected to stay at Villa, the club may be keen to add more options as they press towards the top of the Premier League.
