Pete O’Rourke column: Aston Villa make third bid for ‘Emery’s top target’, Newcastle want £20m for star as late deal on the cards, update on West Ham smashing transfer record

Wed 24 January 2024 19:00, UK

Welcome to the latest edition of my twice-weekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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ASTON VILLA

Villa are pushing hard to seal a January deal for Middlesbrough attacker Morgan Rogers.

The Midlands giants have already seen two bids rejected but I’m told a third offer has been lodged after club scouts watched him in action against Rotherham on Saturday (20 January).

Sources say Rogers is Unai Emery’s top target for the mid-season window.

Middlesbrough are reluctant to lose him and will drive a hard bargain – but I’m told Villa are growing in confidence they will land the ex-Man City star before 1 February.

Rogers only joined Boro last year and Man City will be owed a big sell-on fee – which is coming into the thinking of Michael Carrick’s side as they negotiate his transfer.

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My understanding is that the 21-year-old could cost between £10-12million and Aston Villa are expected to step up the recruitment process following Boro’s League Cup semi-final second-leg clash against Chelsea.

I’m told Rogers will likely be Villa’s last January signing – unless there are big outgoings in the window’s final days.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Atletico Madrid are keen to sign Callum Wilson with forward Angel Correa set to leave the Wanda Metropolitano for Saudi Arabia.

I’m told they approached Newcastle about taking Wilson on loan with an option to buy in the summer window.

It is my understanding that the Magpies rejected that offer as they would need an obligation agreement in any potential loan deal.

Atleti are now exploring other targets, I’m told, with a deal for Juventus star Moises Kean looking more straightforward to do.

Wilson is a proven Premier League goalscorer and is under contract at St James’ Park until June 2025.

Sources say Newcastle would likely need a package of around £20million in order to let him depart.

Wilson could well be sold in the summer window with Eddie Howe and his recruitment team needing to wheel and deal to bring new players in.

CRYSTAL PALACE

I’m told there is nothing immediate to read into Graham Potter‘s attendance for Palace’s 5-0 defeat by Arsenal on Saturday (20 January).

Potter is on the radar for Palace as a potential Roy Hodgson replacement but nothing is advanced as of yet.

The ex-Chelsea boss is one of the most sought-after managers following his Stamford Bridge exit last year and has been recently linked with the Man United job.

Potter is high on Palace’s shortlist but it remains to be seen whether he will find taking the Selhurst Park hot seat an attractive proposition.

Hodgson will 100% be departing the Croydon club when his contract expires in the off-season.

MAN UNITED

I’m told Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of Ajax striker Brian Brobbey amid widespread links with United.

However, sources say Man United would require big outgoings if they are able to afford him this month.

The exit of Anthony Martial in the summer is likely to pave the way to a potential move for Brobbey – with United set for big savings on the wage bill if Martial leaves as expected.

I’m told Brobbey himself is keen to make the move and reunite with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Raphael Varane is out of contract in June and can now talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer switch.

I’m told Man United are in no rush to discuss terms with Varane and are likely to let him move on and get his big wage off the books – like with Martial.

Varane is focused on keeping his place in the United side but has never hidden his desire to return to France.

WEST HAM

Reports have suggested that the Irons could launch a club-record-breaking bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface this month.

However, I’m told that move is unlikely with the player set to be sidelined until March or even April through injury.

Boniface has had groin surgery – which forced him to miss the African Cup of Nations.

In any case, sources say Leverkusen are unwilling to let the 23-year-old leave this month as they target a historic Bundesliga title win.

Premier League clubs like Chelsea are preparing to join West Ham in the race in the summer window – as it is my understanding that the German club will be more receptive to letting Boniface go for the right price in the off-season.