CHELSEA EYE £80M VILLA STAR IN MAJOR TRANSFER DEVELOPMENT
Chelsea have made Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers a "priority target for 2026," reports TeamTalk. The Blues lead Liverpool, Spurs, and PSG for the £80m-rated midfielder after his stunning goal against Tottenham.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to TeamTalk, Chelsea has rekindled interest in Aston Villa's attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers after yet another impressive performance that has sparked debate about his long-term prospects. In Villa's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the 23-year-old produced an incredible equalizer, demonstrating why a number of elite teams consider him to be one of England's most potential creative talents.
Rogers has apparently been named a "priority target for 2026" by Chelsea's recruitment office, who see him as a long-term signing who can have an impact on the Premier League and Champions League in the years to come. "Chelsea are leading three other large clubs in the competition," according to TeamTalk, with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool all showing a great deal of interest.
Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues' long-term goal remains to cultivate top-tier young players, and Rogers is a wonderful fit for that plan. His combination of technical accuracy, athleticism, and direct running has drawn attention around Europe. He made an impression at Middlesbrough before adjusting to life in the Premier League with ease.
Aston Villa's stance on their highly valued midfield player, however, means they are unlikely to consider any bids under £80 million. The Midlands team knows that Rogers' accomplishments in both domestic and European competitions have only raised his value, and they see him as essential to their further success under Unai Emery.
According to TeamTalk, "Rogers is one of the prominent names who will be chased by numerous elite teams in the January transfer window," implying that Villa's determination may be put to the test shortly.
The player has continued to play well for England, although earlier this season, certain inconsistencies at the club level drew criticism. However, his goal from 20 yards out against Tottenham, a ferocious, dipping strike, served as a reminder of his skill and poise under duress. Villa is still attempting to qualify for Europe, and Emery is hoping that this performance is the beginning of a long run of success.
Chelsea's transfer policy is in line with their goals.
For Chelsea, Rogers is a natural extension of the team's youth-focused hiring strategy. The Blues have made significant investments in young, talented players in recent years who have the potential to play important roles in a reorganized team. Their evolving data-led recruitment strategy and shared ownership concept have been developed to find players who can fit into Maresca's long-term ambitions both tactically and culturally.
Rogers, who previously graduated from Manchester City's academy, fits all the requirements. Although he can play as a wide attacker or a No. 10, his most natural position is behind the striker, which is Cole Palmer's present position. According to insiders, Chelsea thinks both players may work together despite their overlap, contributing to a fluid attacking unit that emphasizes mobility and interchange.
Of course, closing the deal is the difficult part. Because of Villa's high worth and the competition from PSG and Liverpool, Chelsea needs to take calculated action. The London club may have an advantage, though, given their tenacity and sustained interest, particularly if Rogers believes Stamford Bridge will be the best venue for his future move.
Crucial months for Chelsea and Rogers
The player's future may be determined by the next several months, since Villa is flourishing under Emery and Chelsea is starting to settle under Maresca. All parties are still concentrating on their individual campaigns for the time being, but once the transfer window opens, Rogers' name is expected to take center stage.
He is viewed by Chelsea as more than just a showpiece acquisition; he embodies the team's values of long-term growth, youth, and technical prowess. However, it will take time and perseverance to convince Villa to surrender their valuable asset.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.