Middlesbrough are reportedly prepared to hold out for their desired fee for Morgan Rogers, amid interest from Aston Villa.
Before this campaign, the attacker had endured minimal success in the Championship, spending indifferent loan stints at Bournemouth and Blackpool respectively.
During that time, just two goals came from 14 starts and 21 substitute outings, yet it did not prevent Boro from taking a chance on Rogers in the summer.
The North East outfit paid an alleged £1m to sign the 21-year-old on a contract until 2027 and the England Under-20 international has since enjoyed the best stint of his career.
However, as a result of contributing seven strikes and nine assists in all competitions, the former West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City youngster is now wanted by Villa.
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Despite that interest, Rogers still lined up for Boro in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final with Chelsea on Tuesday night, netting a long-range consolation in a 6-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
With a surprise appearance in a final now out of the equation, Middlesbrough must now decide whether to make a substantial quick profit on the versatile forward.
According to Football Insider, Villa have been informed that it will take an offer of at least £10m if they want to secure a deal before the end of the month.
Villa are already said to have had two bids rejected for Rogers and will now consider whether they should meet Boro's demands over the coming days.
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Sitting three points adrift of the Championship playoffs, Boro ideally do not want to sell their key man, yet funds would be provided to replace him if required.
Meanwhile, the report suggests that Unai Emery is prepared to make Rogers his final addition of the month, partly owing to FFP issues.
Rogers is no stranger to the West Midlands having been born in near-by Halesowen and part of West Brom's academy system between 2010 and 2019.
If a transfer goes through, Man City - who he joined in that year - are said to be due a sell-on percentage having been prepared to sell Rogers for a cut-price fee in the summer.
Darren Plant
