Report: Manchester City offer PL rival chance to sign ‘match-winner’, he’s open to leaving

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Manchester City have offered Aston Villa the chance to sign Crystal Palace target Morgan Rogers in the hopes of sweetening a deal for Jack Grealish, according to ESPN.

The Citizens rate Rogers highly and value him at £10m after a fruitful year on loan at Lincoln City. But Pep Guardiola’s side want to use the 19-year-old as a makeweight to bring down the Villans’ £100m asking price.

Manchester City told Aston Villa on Friday that they are prepared to pay £90m plus Rogers to sign Grealish. The Etihad Stadium side are confident they can tempt the England maestro into quitting his boyhood club with the allure of the Champions League and potential titles.

ESPN add Rogers would be open to leaving the Etihad for Villa Park if Manchester City and Aston Villa agree terms for Grealish. But Dean Smith’s Birmingham outfit want a straight cash deal if they are to sell their talisman.

Aston Villa do not want Grealish to go, either, and will leave the decision on a move to the 25-year-old. While staying could see the midfielder pen a new £200,000-per-week contact, per The Sun. Even though he only signed his current deal last September, running to 2025.

Manchester City want Grealish to form a two-part improvement to Guardiola’s squad with England teammate and Tottenham striker Harry Kane. The Citizens are only prepared to pay £150m for the Spurs star, however, and are waiting to speak with Chairman Daniel Levy.

Manchester City sending Rogers to Villa for Grealish a blow to Crystal Palace

Manchester City potentially sending Rogers to Aston Villa for Grealish would see Guardiola deal a blow to Crystal Palace’s plans. ESPN add Patrick Vieira’s side want the 19-year-old star after impressing during his Lincoln spell last season.

Rogers scored six goals and four assists in 28 games for the League One side as they fought for promotion. Their bid fell short in the play-off final, losing to Blackpool, but the England U19 international left his mark.

So much so that the Daily Mail report Crystal Palace spoke with Manchester City earlier this month to sign Rogers. Lincoln boss Michael Appleton also waxed lyrical over the youngster last season, noting via Lincolnshire Live: “He’s a match-winner.”