Chelsea plotting to sign ‘exceptional’ England star, ‘huge’ offer will seal deal
Chelsea have endured a strong start to the season and remain determined to build on last season’s Conference League and Club World Cup success.
Enzo Maresca’s side beat Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League last time out, while they sit in fifth place in the Premier League after eight games played.
However, they are not yet convinced they are strong enough to win major silverware and plan to enter the transfer market in January to further improve their squad.
The Blues spent almost £300million on new additions during the summer, but believe there are still key areas of their squad which need addressing.
Chelsea want to sign a new goalkeeper, while Maresca wants to strengthen at centre-back, but they are not the only priority positions at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea keeping tabs on Morgan Rogers at Aston Villa
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Morgan Rogers and remain interested in a move to bring him to Stamford Bridge to further strengthen their attacking options.
That is according to former Aston Villa and Man United senior scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Blues have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s performances.
However, Football Insider revealed in August that Chelsea would have to pay more than £80million to land Rodgers, and that price tag may now have increased.
“Chelsea have been watching Morgan Rogers closely,” Brown told Football Insider.
“We know they wanted him in the summer but couldn’t get a deal done, so it makes sense that they’d be keeping tabs on him in case they want to make a move again.
“He’s a player they like, but I think it would take a huge fee to get him out of Villa.
“When he’s on form, he’s such an important player there.
“The goal against Tottenham was the first he’s scored this year, and he’s been going through a bit of a rough patch of form, so he needs to pick that up.
“But Villa look like they’re improving and that will help lift his game too so he can show what he can do.
“So yes, Chelsea are interested and will be keeping an eye on him, but the question is whether they’d be willing to pay the money and Villa would let him go.”
The Villa star has been raised highly for his performances both for Villa and England in recent weeks, as Jamie Redknapp labelled Rogers “exceptional”.
Aston Villa’s stance on selling Rogers in January revealed
Football Insider revealed last month that Aston Villa will not sell Rogers in January and see him as a crucial part of Unai Emery’s long-term plans.
That is despite his shaky start to the season, where he had been widely criticised before recently picking up his form alongside Villa’s improved performances.
Rogers stunned in Villa’s win against Tottenham and scored a wonderful goal to draw the visitors level, before they went on to win 2-1 thanks to Emi Buendia’s strike.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 26 September that Rodgers is in talks over a new Aston Villa contract as they aim to secure his future at Villa Park.
Rogers is in line for a new deal despite having agreed improved terms only last November, with his current contract set to run until 2030.
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