Man Utd chase €100m deal for Cole Palmer's best friend

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 6 Feb 2026 08:59 GMT
  • 4 min read
Cole Palmer, Man Utd, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Manchester United have reportedly identified Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers as a key transfer target for the upcoming 2026 summer window.

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The Red Devils are expected to spend big in the market this summer, with the club desperate to sign at least one new central midfielder to replace the departing Casemiro.

Current ETV
Player image Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CR)

A. Villa logo

A. Villa

Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers

AM (C), M (CR)

A. Villa

A. Villa

€59.7M

ETV Range

€53.7M - €65.6M

Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are their three top targets as things stand, however the 13-time Premier League champions are also keen to finalise a deal for a more attacking option amid concerns over Bruno Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international has been heavily linked with a blockbuster departure and he has even hinted that an exit may take place following the 2025-26 season, with several clubs in Saudi Arabia eager to bring him to the Middle East.

FootballTransfers understands that Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer has been identified as Man Utd’s dream replacement for Fernandes, however Liam Rosenior’s side reportedly have no intention of sanctioning a sale and they view the Englishman as one of their ‘untouchables.’

As a result, Man Utd will likely be forced to pursue an alternative and they have now identified Palmer’s close friend and international team-mate Rogers as a key priority, as per Spanish outlet Fichajes.

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa
© IMAGO - Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa

Morgan Rogers to Man Utd?

Rogers recently extended his Aston Villa contract until 2031 and Unai Emery’s side are therefore expected to place a huge price tag on his head this summer in a bid to ward off any interested suitors.

A fee in excess of €100 million will be required to land the England international ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Villa reluctant to lose their star man as they look to build a squad capable of consistently achieving Champions League football.

Chelsea are also eyeing a possible swoop for Rogers, who has registered 16 goal contributions in 34 matches across all competitions so far this season, but Man Utd are reportedly ready to fight for his signature as they look to challenge for major honours once again next year.

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