Transfer Talk: Versatile Rogers could solve multiple problems at Villa

Aston Villa are working hard to bring Morgan Rogers to the Premier League. 

The Middlesbrough forward recently displayed his class with an individual goal against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-finals. 

Unai Emery's team have reportedly made multiple bids for the versatile youngster during the January window. 

Ahead of Aston Villa's trip to Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round tonight, we take a look at Rogers' career so far and the qualities that he would bring to the Midlands club. 

Offers rejected

Emery got to see Rogers first hand when Villa won 1-0 at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup third round. 

The 21-year-old impressed in that encounter and it has resulted in a flurry of bids from the Premier League club. 

Having had their first two proposals rejected, Villa were reported to have made an improved offer earlier this week. Middlesbrough are said to value Rogers at £10million.

The Teessiders signed the England Under-20s international for £1m from Manchester City last summer and would have to pay the Premier League champions a percentage of any profit. 

With Rogers' contract not due to expire until 2027, Middlesbrough have no need to be bullied into a quick sale. 

The attacker has become a key player for Michael Carrick, registering seven goals and nine assists in his debut season. 

Middlesbrough are currently 11th in the Championship, only three points away from a play-off place. 

Loan experience

After facing the team he could soon be lining up for, Rogers gave his verdict on competing against Emery's side. 

He said: "I Ioved playing in the Villa game, because you learn so much playing against them. You want to compete against the best players. 

"But I think we competed. It showed how far we have come. 

"We were toe-to-toe. They won the game but we left with our heads held high. We competed." 

Rogers is now in the handy position of either getting a chance to prove himself in the Premier League with Villa or being able to help his current team Middlesbrough to get there. 

He has had a previous opportunity to make it in the top flight, having signed for City from boyhood club West Brom in 2019. 

Rogers failed to make an appearance for Pep Guardiola's first team, instead gaining experience with loan moves. 

He spent the 2020-21 season at Lincoln in League One, before having campaigns in the Championship with Bournemouth and Blackpool prior to his transfer to Middlesbrough. 

Versatile nature

Rogers has appeared as a left winger, striker and a No10 for Middlesbrough this season. 

The 6ft 4in ace has spoken about his versatility, which is likely to be a factor that has contributed to Villa's interest. 

He said: "I've always prided myself on the number of positions I can play. I've done that since I was young. 

"I love the game and I know what each position entails. I have the football intelligence to know what's asked and to try to carry it out for the team. 

"Some positions suit more than others, of course, but I'm more than happy to play anywhere as long as I'm on the pitch."