James Maddison 'to play alongside Morgan Rogers, not replace him' - Aston Villa expert

Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison as Unai Emery aims to bolster his midfield this summer.

The 29-year-old returned from a long-term injury at the end of the season and could now be allowed to move on, with Villa keeping a close eye on his situation.

This comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of Morgan Rogers, with Arsenal, Man City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all keen on the England international.

However, former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Maddison is not seen as a direct replacement for Rogers, who they have no plans to lose this summer.

Emery is dertermined to keep Rogers at Villa Park beyond the transfer window and hopes to block any offers regardless of their activity in the market.

Regardless of his future, however, Maddison would not be seen as a replacement as he is a "completely different" type of player with a very different style and skillset.

Could Aston Villa make a move for James Maddison?

Brown told Football Insider on 29 June that Aston Villa are considering a move to sign Maddison, should they be convinced that he can get back to his former self.

While Spurs are not believed to be actively looking to move the England international on, there is a feeling they would not stand in his way should an acceptable offer arrive.

That has opened the door for Aston Villa to swoop should they choose to step up their interest, with his signing unrelated to their attempts to keep Rogers around.

"Aston Villa won't see James Maddison as a replacement for Morgan Rogers," Brown told Football Insider.

"They're completely different types of players, it wouldn't make sense at all when you look at what Unai Emery gets out of Rogers and what Maddison would offer him.

"It may well be a deal they look to do, because I'm told they're interested, but it's not going to depend on Rogers leaving.

"Rogers wants to get on the ball and drive with it, run with it, pull players out of position and drag the team up the pitch and into the box, he's very direct with his play.

"Maddison is more technical, he wants to create with the ball at his feet through passes and linking up with his teammates.

"That's why they want him, they want that type of player, and he can offer cover in a number of positions where they lack depth at the moment.

"So from Aston Villa's perspective, they could have both of those players in their team, but replacing one with the other would mean the manager has to change things completely.

"As I say, Maddison may well be somebody they go after if he is available, but they also want to keep Rogers and the two deals won't have any impact on one another."

What is the latest on Morgan Rogers' future at Villa?

Rogers' future at Villa Park has been subject to speculation since the season ended, with high-profile clubs across Europe keen to lure him away this summer.

Arsenal are believed to have shown the strongest interest, with reports elsewhere suggesting the Gunners are confidence they can pull off a deal.

However, Brown told Football Insider on 30 June that Emery will block Rogers leaving Aston Villa and has no plans to entertain any speculation about a potential sale.

Despite suggestions that Villa could be forced to sell in a bid to raise funds, the board are fearful of backlash from Emery and the fanbase if they allow him to leave.

As a result, a "huge" asking price has been placed on the attacking midfielder, with reports suggesting any deal would have to be worth upwards of £130m.