Middlesbrough winger Morgan Rogers has reached an agreement to join Aston Villa, it has been reported by Fabrizio Romano.
According to the reputable journalist, Boro and the Villans have verbally agreed terms. He is now expected to complete his medical in the next 24 hours, before joining Unai Emery’s side in the final knockings of the window.
Rogers only moved to the North-East in the summer, but has helped the clubs surge up the Championship table with two goals and six assists. He also played an instrumental role in their run to the EFL Cup Semi-Finals, with eight goal contributions in six games.
Attention first picked up around the former England youth international following his loan spell at Sincil Bank, where he and Brennan Johnson provided a deadly force on either side of the pitch. His six goals and four assists helped the Imps reach their highest league position this century, and meant that plenty of suitors were sniffing around that summer.
Bournemouth took Rogers on loan with an option to buy, but he only played fourteen second-tier games for the Cherries with only a handful of minutes. He then had another temporary spell away from Manchester City, this time with Blackpool, where he played 22 times.
If the former West Brom youngster has played his final game at the Riverside, then he will go out on a high. He netted a superb consolation at Stamford Bridge last week, his eighth goal contribution in the past ten games across all competitions.
Sky Sports are reporting that the fee could rise to £16 millions, while BBC Sport reported that Teessiders owner Steve Gibson was holding out for around £12 million as an initial fee. Middlesbrough had previously rejected three bids for the 21-year-old, but appear to have finally met the Championship sides’ valuation.
Boro’ are chasing a return to the Premier League this campaign, sitting three points behind Coventry City in the Play-Offs. They now face a race to find a replacement before the winter window closes at 23:00 on 1st February.
Writer’s View
Villa only have limited money to spend this window thanks to FFP regulations ,so finally getting their man Rogers appears a very wise move. It’s a devastating blow for Boro’ so close to the deadline, and leaves them scouring the lower leagues for a replacement.
This though is a move that the 21-year-old fully deserves, following his superb first half of the campaign. With competition for places expected to be tough at the Villans, he may have to bide his time before he becomes a regular face at Villa Park.
