Rogers and Jackson swap verdict as ‘surprise’ Aston Villa claim made – Exclusive
Morgan Rogers has continually been linked with a move away from Aston Villa this summer.
The 22-year-old was one of Unai Emery’s most important players last term, and he also continued his emergence on the international stage following a string of impressive performances at club level.
Villa have faced interest in Rogers from several of the Premier League’s most successful clubs, as they fight to keep hold of one of their star men.
The former Middlesbrough man notched 14 goals and 13 assists in all competitions last time out, and the Villans will surely be desperate to keep hold of him for at least another season.
Villa wouldn’t entertain a swap deal involving Nicolas Jackson
Villa have shown an interest in signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea over the last few days, but there has been a suggestion that their pursuit of the frontman could have a knock-on effect.
The Villans are keen to pursue a £60.5million deal for the striker, but they may be deterred by the fact that the Londoners would be expected to immediately lodge a return bid for Rogers.
It seems as though the second city outfit’s chase of the Senegal international could spark what would effectively be a swap deal.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that Rogers is too important for Emery’s side to lose, and also feels that a swap deal involving the duo would be of no interest to them.
“I’d be very surprised if Aston Villa let Rogers go,” King said.
“He’s a central part of their team. It would take more than Jackson and money for them to ship him out, I think. It can’t be a straight swap, that’s for sure, because Rogers is worth twice the money of Jackson.”
Villa should back away from Jackson if it means losing Rogers
Jackson would be an expensive addition for Villa if they were to bring him in, but it makes little sense for them to pursue that deal if it would mean losing Rogers at the same time.
The creative midfielder is a versatile option in the final third for Emery’s charges, and he is only going to get better after what was a breakthrough season for him last term.
| Player | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Morgan Rogers | 37 | 8 | 10 |
| Nicolas Jackson | 30 | 10 | 5 |
On the other hand, Jackson has been inconsistent throughout his two years in English football and would simply not be a sensible acquisition, especially given the fee that is being mooted at the moment.
As a result, the B6 outfit should be turning their attention elsewhere as they bid to strengthen their attack before their return to Premier League action on 16 August.
They may be keen to bring Jackson in, but he certainly isn’t worth pursuing at the expense of Rogers.
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