Man Utd now "strongly interested" in signing 23yo PL star ahead of Arsenal & Chelsea
Manchester United have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers during the summer transfer window, according to The Telegraph.
The Red Devils primarily focused on bolstering their attack last summer. They signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford to bolster the wide attacking positions.
This was followed by the purchase of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. There could be another addition to the frontline this summer, and the club are said to prefer a versatile attacking solution.
The Telegraph claim that they have entered the pursuit of Morgan Rogers alongside Arsenal and Chelsea. The Red Devils are ‘strongly interested’ in the player, who worked under interim boss Michael Carrick at Championship side Middlesbrough.
Carrick, a front-runner to become United’s permanent manager, has openly admired the 23-year-old. Sporting director Jason Wilcox is also a big fan of Rogers, having brought him to Manchester City from West Bromwich Albion as a 16-year-old when he was their academy director.
United consider Rogers a candidate to play on the left wing or in the number 10 position. He won’t come on the cheap. Villa are expected to demand in excess of £80 million, and the fee could reach £90m if there is a bidding war for him.
Rogers would be a superb acquisition
The England international has developed into one of the most sought-after attackers in the Premier League. He has 17 goal contributions across all competitions for Villa this term, but has also caught the eye with other attributes in the final third.
Rogers has a tireless work rate and has excelled with his regular high pressing. He is also superb with his dribbling, cutting inside from the left wing. He has likewise impressed with his chance creation and does not shy away from shooting from long range.
Hence, he has all the traits to become a United player. Matheus Cunha has been the regular left winger for United this year, but Rogers would provide fierce competition. The ex-Boro man could also be seen as a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes in the no.10 role.
£90m does not appear overly excessive for a player just entering his prime and could play a big part for England at the World Cup this summer. United must seek to land his signature before the global tournament, as a strong showing could see his price soar higher.
With Arsenal & Chelsea also in the race, Champions League qualification could be key to luring him. United are on course with a seven-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League. A reunion with Carrick could be another big factor in persuading Rogers to join.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .