Aston Villa are now plotting a bold move to replace Morgan Rogers with a Premier League star who came ‘very close’ to joining Tottenham, according to a new report this afternoon.
Villa preparing for FA Cup tie against Newcastle hamstrung by injuries
Villa face Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Newcastle severely handicapped by devastating injury problems, leaving Unai Emery frantically scrambling for solutions at Villa Park.
The Spaniard confirmed that Matty Cash remains a major doubt after missing Wednesday’s Brighton victory with a knee complaint.
Cash’s potential absence compounds Villa’s brutal midfield crisis.
Boubacar Kamara will be out until the end of the season after knee surgery, whilst both Youri Tielemans and John McGinn won’t return until April following ankle and knee injuries respectively.
Andres Garcia also remains sidelined with a hamstring problem until the end of February.
Aston Villa could green-light exit for ‘unhappy’ player in summer swap deal
Unai Emery’s side haven’t been shy negotiating part-exchanges.
However, Emery expressed confidence Friday about his squad’s versatility in navigating the injury nightmare.
He praised Lamare Bogarde’s adaptability filling multiple positions, highlighting the academy graduate’s stellar performance against Kaoru Mitoma at right-back against Brighton, and how he is also capable of operating in midfield.
Emery emphasised Amadou Onana’s consistency and Ross Barkley’s contributions as reasons why Villa have enough players despite the absentees.
Douglas Luiz’s loan return, which could become permanent in the summer, provides crucial midfield reinforcement, starting every league match since arriving from Juventus.
Villa are targeting their first major trophy since winning the League Cup 30 years ago, having reached last season’s semi-final before the Crystal Palace heartbreak.
The FA Cup represents a golden opportunity to do so, and Rogers will undoubtedly be crucial, as he has been for Villa over the last two seasons.
However, Rogers’ scintillating form is said to be attracting major interest heading into the summer, so NSWE and co are already thinking of ways to replace the Englishman if he does depart for a likely mammoth fee.
Aston Villa plot Morgan Gibbs-White move to replace Morgan Rogers
As one Morgan leaves, another might take his place, at least according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke.
|
Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa – 2025/2026 |
Stat |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
36 |
|
Minutes played |
2,916 |
|
Goals |
10 |
|
Assists |
7 |
|
Yellow cards |
6 |
|
Red cards |
0 |
|
via Transfermarkt |
|
Indeed, it is believed that Villa are plotting a move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in the event they are forced to part company with Rogers.
The 26-year-old, who has bagged 11 goal contributions in all competitions for a struggling Forest side, came very close to joining Spurs last summer after the north Londoners triggered his release clause.
However, volatile owner Evangelos Marinakis somehow blocked the deal, threatened Spurs with legal action and convinced Gibbs-White to pen a bumper new £150,000-per-week contract.
Now, O’Rourke claims that Villa are eyeing Gibbs-White as a potential replacement for Rogers, and his future will be an ‘interesting one’ to follow this summer after last year’s incredible Tottenham transfer saga.
Gibbs-White represents Villa’s perfect Rogers replacement if their star leaves this summer.
The England international offers identical creativity and leadership qualities despite Forest’s relegation nightmare, proving his class shines regardless of the team’s struggles.
His versatility operating in various attacking midfield roles mirrors Rogers, with Gibbs-White possessing proven Premier League experience.
Forest’s probable Championship plunge would put them in a vulnerable position, particularly given Tottenham already triggered his release clause last summer before he signed fresh terms.
Emery craves proven quality capable of unlocking defences, and Gibbs-White delivers precisely that.
Aston Villa could green-light exit for ‘unhappy’ player in summer swap deal
Unai Emery’s side haven’t been shy negotiating part-exchanges.
