Alan Hutton talks down West Brom as Aston Villa tempt ex-Albion forward Morgan Rogers into transfer
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Morgan Rogers’ connections to West Brom as a product of the Albion academy won’t negatively impact his potential January transfer to Aston Villa, according to Alan Hutton.
Unai Emery’s side have reportedly already seen two bids rejected by Middlesbrough for the versatile attacking midfielder, but Rogers has now informed Michael Carrick’s side that he wants to leave the Riverside and join Villa this month [Mail Sport, 25 January].
Middlesbrough are expecting to receive a third bid from Aston Villa, with their current valuation sitting at £10million for the 21-year-old who was a product of the West Brom academy system before joining Manchester City’s youth ranks.
Hutton doesn’t believe that the rivalry is intense enough to have any sort of effect on the deal, especially for such a young player.
“I don’t really think so,” Hutton told Villa News.
“For me, for the whole time I was there, obviously the games against West Brom are big games, but I didn’t really see it as a huge rivalry if I’m totally honest.
“Obviously the Birmingham situation is completely different but when it comes to Wolves and West Brom, I didn’t really get the big rivalry so I don’t think it will be a huge factor.
“Again, particularly when you’re a young player coming through a youth set-up and stuff it’s a little bit different. You’re learning your trade and it is what it is, so I don’t see that being a big factor.”
In 26 Championship appearances for Middlesbrough this season, the 21-year-old has managed to score twice and pick up a further six assists to help Carrick’s side sit 11th in England’s second tier, only two points outside of the playoff positions.
Perhaps Rogers’ greatest asset is his versatility, as the young forward has demonstrated an ability to play across the entirety of the frontline or as a number 10, an ability that will be incredibly beneficial to Emery and his side for the remainder of the season.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton remains confident that Villa will seal a deal for Middlesbrough gem Morgan Rogers this month
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