West Ham United approach Middlesbrough to hijack £12.5m deal for Morgan Rogers in last-gasp move
West Ham made a late approach to hijack the deal for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers to join Aston Villa in a £12.5million transfer, according to the Sunday People.
The newspaper reported in their print edition [28 January, page 63] that the Hammers failed in a late move for Rogers, which has now cleared the path for him to join Villa.
As a result, David Moyes’ side have now withdrawn their interest in the winger, with Boro naming a high asking price due to a sell-on clause in his deal that would see Manchester City profit from his departure.
A late flurry of bids
It looks like being a busy end to the January transfer window in East London. Firstly completing a deal to bring Kalvin Phillips on loan, but bids made for the likes of Rogers are a display of the ambition shown at the London Stadium at this late stage.
With deadline day on 1 February, and that date rapidly approaching, a sense of urgency has emerged in a bid to strengthen Moyes’ team to give them the best possible opportunity for success this season.
Rogers would have been an exciting addition at the London Stadium, having scored two goals and provided six assists in 26 Championship appearances this season, while he bagged five goals and two assists as he helped Boro to reach the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Now, though, West Ham must turn their interest elsewhere after failing to hijack the move from Aston Villa. They will be targeting several names as the window edges closer to closing, with a new attacker at the top of their list.
In other West Ham news, a contract has been agreed for one Hammers ace to quit.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.