Manchester United are strongly interested in a summer move for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers following an update on Michael Carrick's chances of getting the job permanently, according to the Telegraph.
Man United will be looking to further cement their spot in the Premier League's top four when they host Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Carrick has been outstanding since taking caretaker charge until the end of the season back in January, picking up 23 points from the 30 available to him in England's top tier.
That form has seen the Red Devils soar to third while the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea have faltered, putting them in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next season.
A top-five finish in the top flight will guarantee a spot in the 2026-27 version of Europe's elite club competition, with United currently lying six points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the standings with seven matches remaining.
Champions League qualification would not only boost United's budget, but will also make them a more attractive proposition for targets after three years without it.
Man United Want Rogers Amid Carrick Update
Morgan Rogers
According to the Telegraph, Rogers will be the Premier League's most in-demand player in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Manchester United, along with top-flight rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, and Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, are all keen to prise the England international away from Villa Park.
Villa are expected to demand at least £80m for the 23-year-old to consider a sale, although the price could be £90m+ if a bidding war develops, with a suggestion that a total deal could be worth £100m or more with add-ons included.
While Rogers isn't pushing for a move and has a strong relationship with manager Unai Emery, Villa could listen to an acceptable offer for their most saleable asset, given they could face further financial pressures in the summer.
Rogers, who only signed a new long-term deal with Villa in November, could land his former club Middlesbrough a transfer windfall should a deal go through, with the Teessiders due a 20% sell-on fee of any profit made after the £15m transfer in 2024.
United's Latest Stance on Hiring Carrick Permanently
Michael Carrick
One man who could have a big say on a move for Rogers is Carrick.
According to the same report, the 44-year-old is increasingly likely to get the United job on a long-term basis given the huge impact he has made in the last three months at Old Trafford in an interim role.
Carrick worked with Rogers during his time in charge of Boro, and is said to be a big admirer of the versatile forward who can play as a No.10 or out wide. He and Rogers are said to have had a strong relationship with each other at the Riverside Stadium.
United director of football Jason Wilcox also admires Rogers having helped bring him through at City when he was the club's academy director, prior to a switch to Southampton.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also said to have a passing interest in Rogers, who could be part of one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.