Photograph: Nigel Keene/ProSports/Shutterstock
Unai Emery is close to landing his No 1 transfer target after Aston Villa had a package worth about £15m accepted by Middlesbrough for the winger Morgan Rogers. The player is set to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours.
Boro were unimpressed with Villa’s lowball approach but have reached an agreement to sell Rogers after a back and forth, having dismissed three bids. The 21-year-old is poised to become Villa’s second signing this month after the right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade.
Related: Transfer latest: Spurs consider Conor Gallagher as Palace close on Wharton
Rogers, who joined Middlesbrough on a permanent deal last summer, was earmarked by Emery as a player who could instantly bolster Villa’s frontline. Manchester City, whom Boro paid about £1m for Rogers last summer, stand to benefit from a sell-on clause.
The England Under-20 international, who has scored two Championship goals this season, impressed Emery in Boro’s FA Cup third-round defeat by Villa this month. Rogers, who can play across the forward line, will provide competition for Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey.
Rogers’ arrival places doubt on the future of Jhon Durán, who is seeking more regular game time. Chelsea are among the clubs to have registered an interest in the Colombia striker.
The Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey has been linked with a move but Emery said the 22-year-old was “a very important player”.
