Morgan Rogers to Tottenham would be 'rubbing salt in wounds' for Aston Villa - ex-Spurs and Villa scout
Aston Villa's nightmare scenario would involve them having to sell Morgan Rogers to Tottenham this summer.
That is the opinion of former senior Tottenham and Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer, but decision-makers are insistent on sticking to their £130million price tag.
Arsenal's interest in Rogers is thought to be the most advanced, but several Premier League clubs are known to be tracking developments in his situation.
Villa do not want to sell, but their battle against the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) would be aided significantly by such a fee.
Tottenham, despite having been on the brink of relegation and failing to qualify for any European football, have already spent £237m this summer and may well be able to spend another £150m yet.
Morgan Rogers deal would be 'ironic'
Villa's situation is one that has infuriated both the players and the fans, likely as well the club's officials.
Despite Unai Emery's team finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League, the club are still restricted from any significant expenditure in the window due to the PSR.
Yet Tottenham are capable of spending hundreds of millions at will, despite having such a dreadful season.
It is a situation that has affected Newcastle United, too, who have been forced to sell Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, with Anthony Gordon also leaving.
Villa will hope to avoid having to sell their star to stay compliant with PSR, and their worst case scenario would see the Lilywhites present the money.
"I'll tell you the ironic thing would be if they had to sell him [Rogers] to Tottenham," King told Football Insider. "That would be rubbing salt in the wounds, wouldn't it?"
What has Rogers said about his future?
Speculation surrounding Rogers is expected to continue throughout the window, but Villa will be comfortable.
The 23-year-old is under contract until 2031, and they are determined not to dip below their asking price.
"It shows I’m doing something right and I’m going along the journey and going along the step in a forward direction. That’s what I want to do," said Rogers when asked about the rumours surrounding him this summer.
"I want to improve and get better. Being in the right circles and being in the right environment allows me to do that. Those conversations are nice.
"I won’t let them get too ahead of myself. But they are nice when people do talk about me in that way or want to put me against other players of class or quality."