Manchester United and several other Premier League teams are expected to join in a multi-club race for the signature of Morgan Rogers in the upcoming transfer window.
Over the last year or two, Morgan Rogers has become not just one of the Three Lions’ brightest prospects but arguably one of the best young players in Europe.
Now reportedly set to, at the very least, consider leaving Aston Villa – regardless of whether they qualify for the Champions League or not – a fair few clubs are set to pursue the fast-rising England international this summer.
As per Times Sport writers Gary Jacob and Paul Hirst, Rogers is now on the radar of Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal – and that’s just in the domestic top flight…
Clubs renew interest in Morgan Rogers as Villa face bidding war this summer
England midfielder is wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, with Villa’s valuation likely exceeding £80million
With an estimated minimum valuation of £80 million being slapped on the 23-year-old, it’ll take quite a sizeable package for Villa to let the West Brom academy product go.
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The West Midlands-born midfielder was signed following an impressive bunch of performances at Middlesbrough, where he already trained under a then-fledgling new manager, Michael Carrick, who he joined following a number of loan spells at the likes of Lincoln City, Bournemouth and Blackpool.
His previous employers prior to the Birmingham side were actually Manchester City, who signed Rogers as a youth back in 2019, but never gave him a full run-out in the senior squad.
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Now a fully graduated first-team star, a regularly decisive player/match-winner and clearly in Thomas Tuchel’s national team plans for the World Cup, Man City are not currently thought to be interested in re-signing him as they did with the likes of James Trafford, for example.
Then again, he isn’t necessarily a position they’re looking to strengthen with so many attack-minded options in advanced areas, whereas it’s claimed United are hoping to solve a number of issues all over the pitch this summer.
It’s worth noting he scored two incredible finishes against the Red Devils earlier this season.
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Both certified worldies.
Of course, there is always the possibility of City and other big sides coming in for him, not only because of his undeniable talent but in an effort to stop rivals acquiring his services.
In the case of Manchester United, how much budget the INEOS board will afford Carrick and co regarding recruitment remains to be seen, though there is the belief that Rogers more than fits the attributes and age profile of those that sporting director Jason Wilcox will be targeting.
One bit of defensive business MUFC have already managed to complete is sorting a fresh new deal for centre-back Harry Maguire, who recently signed a key contract extension.
Details released of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners while Mayor
Emily Sergeant
Details of Andy Burnham’s meetings with Manchester City owners during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester have been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed on the situation a little first, Manchester City was found guilty back in September all of its charges related to the Premier League’s financial rules over a nine-season period, and on top of that, was also found guilty of the majority of charges in relation to its failure to co-operate with the League’s investigation.
According to the Premier League, the independent Commission found that Manchester City had arranged so-called ‘sham’ commercial deals with a number of its sponsors.
These were part of a disguised funding scheme – with those sponsors only required to pay a portion of the relevant sponsorship fees.
The remainder was then funded by Abu Dhabi United Group Investment & Development Ltd (ADUG), which owned the club.
The Commission also concluded, as quoted by the Premier League, that the club had ‘made concerted efforts to stop and frustrate the Premier League investigation’.
Within the past week or so, it has since come to light that now-Prime Minister Andy Burnham had dealings with Manchester City during his tenure as Greater Manchester Mayor, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has now issued a public statement, giving details on the matter and what these ‘dealings’ entailed.
A spokesperson for GMCA confirmed that Burnham had a ‘formal meeting’ with Man City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, back in October 2021.
The statement reads in full: “In October 2021, Andy Burnham, in his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester, had a formal meeting with Khaldoon Al Mubarak at the UK Government’s Global Investment Summit arranged by the Department for International Trade.
“In his capacity as Mayor, he was a guest of Manchester City FC at home matches on a small number of occasions, including attending Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match in September 2019, where he met the Chairman informally in the stands. These have been declared in the usual way.
“Also during his time as Mayor, representatives of Greater Manchester sporting clubs would routinely join business delegations as part of Mayoral international visits.
“This included representatives from Manchester United travelling to Austin and Dublin, Lancashire Cricket Club joining a delegation to India, and Manchester City FC staff supporting visits to China and Japan.”
Featured Image – Lauren Hurley / Number 10 Downing Street (Press Image via Flickr)
Sport
Multiple arrests made for ‘tragedy chanting’ and police officer assault as Man City defeated Liverpool
Emily Sergeant
Multiple people were arrested over the weekend as Manchester City defeated Liverpool in a Premier League clash.
Merseyside Police have confirmed that a total of 10 people were arrested during the policing operation at Liverpool’s home ground of Anfield as they hosted Manchester City on Sunday 11 October.
One man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police constable, five were on suspicion of tragedy chanting, one on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, two for affray, and one on suspicion of throwing items onto the pitch.
Police are now appealing to the public, and are particularly looking to speak to witnesses of the assault of the officer.
At around 6:35pm, as fans left the stadium, a police officer sustained a ‘serious facial injury’ during the arrest of a man on Anfield Road, and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment but is now recovering at home.
Investigating officers are now conducting enquiries, speaking to witnesses, and analysing CCTV and camera phone footage.
Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said it’s ‘extremely disappointing’ that an officer has sustained a serious injury while carrying out their duty.
“I hope the arrests send a clear message and act as a deterrent to others,” Chief Inspector Hobin continued. “Anyone who engages in this abhorrent behaviour risks ending up in custody and getting a criminal record.
“Despite the actions of a few, the overwhelming majority of the 60,000 fans in attendance behaved well and I want to thank them for their co-operation.”
Manchester City ended up defeated Liverpool 3-0 during the Premier League clash at Anfield.