Aston Villa sent transfer warning to Middlesbrough forward as deadline day approaches’

Aston Villa transfer news from BirminghamLive as Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers remains on Unai Emery’s radar

Middlesbrough Morgan Rogers has hit the headlines in recent weeks after being linked with a move to Aston Villa in the January transfer window – but it seems a deal will only happen on the Teesiders terms.

Boro writer Craig Johns at our sister title TeesideLive doesn’t feel a deal is imminent unless Villa are willing to spend big. He writes: “Unai Emery has cast doubts over their attempts to sign Rogers this month, claiming they don’t have too much money to spend.

“With three-and-a-half years left on his Boro contract, if the top-flight side doesn’t match Boro’s valuation, they won’t get their man.

“That said, Villa have offloaded Leander Dendoncker this week and reports suggest they could also sell Jhon Duran to Chelsea, which might free up funds to make a late push to land Boro’s 21-year-old prospect.

“With Rogers keen on the Premier League move, it will remain a saga that will go on until either the two clubs agree on a fee, or the window closes.”

I really like Rogers, a player who is no stranger to the staff at Villa given their connection to WBA. He is powerful and direct, two attributes that Emery likes in his forwards.