Aston Villa are eyeing a summer move for an "incredible" forward, following his impressive performances in this season's Champions League.
Villa eyeing new forward with Morgan Rogers' future in doubt
Having received the Europa League Player of the Season award, Morgan Rogers is clearly ready for another crack at the Champions League, and Villa are set to take part in the competition next season, after lifting the Europa League and finishing fourth in the Premier League.
However, former defender Alan Hutton has suggested Unai Emery's side may be willing to cash-in for the right price this summer, saying: “If somebody comes in with a £100 million offer, I think the club might look at that as they can reinvest that into the playing squad. I don't want to see him go but if it's a huge offer like that, I'm sure the club will listen.”
Amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, it has been revealed the Villans could even sanction a sale for £80m, with a departure not completely off the cards, despite the England international remaining under contract until 2031.
Should Rogers depart, it may be a savvy move to bring in another forward who is proven at Champions League level, and one of the stars of this year's competition has now emerged as a target.
"Incredible" Champions League star in line for move to Villa Park
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Aston Villa are now plotting a move for Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes, who chipped in with six goals and four assists in 12 Champions League outings this season, prior to his side's round of 16 exit at the hands of Barcelona.
Ranking Player Club Champions League goal involvements
1. Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 16
1. Harry Kane Bayern Munich 16
1. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia PSG 16
4. Julian Alvarez Atletico Madrid 14
5. Anthony Gordon Newcastle 12
6. Michael Olise Bayern Munich 11
7. Vinicius Junior Real Madrid 10
7. Lamine Yamal Barcelona 10
7. Luis Diaz Bayern Munich 10
7. Harvey Barnes Newcastle 10
7. Fermin Lopez Barcelona 10
The Magpies are hoping to recoup the £38m they shelled out to sign Barnes from Leicester City, but they may not be willing to sanction a sale, should fellow forward Anthony Gordon complete a move to Bayern Munich.
The former West Bromwich Albion man could be tempted to move to Villa Park, as it would mean being closer to his family, but he still has two years remaining on his Newcastle deal.
Although Barca dumped Eddie Howe's side out the Champions League, the 28-year-old was a constant threat over the two legs, bagging a goal and hitting the woodwork at St. James' Park, before going on to grab an assist at the Camp Nou.
Harvey-Barnes
After scoring a brace against West Ham during the 2023-24 campaign, the Englishman also received plaudits from Howe, who said: "He is an incredible player. We have missed him this season and he would have given us quality wherever he played.
"He is a goalscorer and they are so valuable and his two finishes today were of the highest quality. Of course, the last one was memorable and will always be remembered and what a finish it was. That's the quality he has."
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