Watkins says Villa’s Morgan Rogers can reach football’s top

England striker Ollie Watkins, speaking from the team's World Cup base in North America, has expressed his belief that Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers is destined for the very top of the sport. His comments come amid widespread summer transfer speculation linking the 23-year-old forward with a potential move to clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea.

Watkins, who is preparing for his role as a substitute for England at the 2026 World Cup, praised Rogers during a press conference in Kansas City. He highlighted Rogers's rapid development since joining Villa from Middlesbrough in a deal worth an initial £8 million in January 2024. "I think Morgan can go to the very top," Watkins said. "You see what he can do in this short space of time, in 18 months, how he's developed and started to perform at that top, top level, which has got him all the recognition that he deserves."

Reports indicate Villa have no desire to sell Rogers, who signed a long-term contract last autumn running to 2031, and would likely demand a fee in the region of £100 million to consider any offer. His former club Middlesbrough would also benefit from a 20 percent sell-on clause. Rogers scored 14 goals and provided 12...