Morgan Rogers stance emerges after Aston Villa rebuffed twice by Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Rogers' stance on a potential move to Aston Villa has become clear after Unai Emery's side saw an initial bid rebuffed late on Thursday night, before another on Friday morning.

The 21-year-old, who can play anywhere across the front three, is known for his impressive dribbling and pace. Formerly of West Bromwich Albion's youth academy before moving to Manchester City in 2021, Rogers was signed by Boro in July 2023 following loan spells at Blackpool, AFC Bournemouth and Lincoln City.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday evening that Villa had sent an official bid to Boro for Rogers. It later emerged, via The Guardian, that the offer had been swiftly rejected. The crucial part of Romano's report, though, was the claim Rogers is "understood to be excited by this big opportunity".

It awaits to be seen just how lucrative Villa's bid was but Emery is bound to reapproach this one as Rogers is a top target. With six goals and eight assists in 31 appearances this season, the forward may not appear to be overly clinical but it's his sheer speed and power that make him a threat.

Rogers, whose versatility makes him particularly attractive to Emery, also offers good physicality and could be used in a similar role to Ollie Watkins if needed. Albeit naturally more of a winger due to his desire to run at defenders, Rogers, at 6ft 2in, has the height to fill in as a target man centre forward.