Transfer rumours: Morgan Rogers to Aston Villa, Jean-Philippe Mateta to Bayer Leverkusen, Oscar Cortes to Rangers

The 21-year-old, who joined Boro in the summer, has put in a number of impressive performances this term, having registered two goals and provided nine assists in 33 competitive appearances.

Despite being in the middle of his first season with Middlesbrough, Rogers is already being linked with a move away from the Riverside Stadium.

Aston Villa have emerged as the front-runners for his signature, although the Premier League side have failed with their first two bids.

However, according to The Independent, Aston Villa have returned to the negotiating table with an offer worth up to £15m.

While Boro were previously holding out for a basic fee of £10m, they are reluctant to sanction a sale just six months into the player's four-year contract.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is believed to be prioritising Rogers as the club's main target for the final few days of the January transfer window.

Over in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Leverkusen are currently enjoying a successful season, having racked up 49 points from 19 games to establish a two-point over Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table.

However, Leverkusen's title bid has received a setback following the news that their star striker Victor Boniface will be out until April due to injury.

The Nigerian's lengthy absence has forced Leverkusen to delve into the transfer market to recruit Borja Iglesias on loan from Real Betis.

However, Leverkusen are seemingly still keen to bring in another forward, with The Sun reporting that Palace's Mateta has been identified as a potential target.

The report suggests that the German club have asked about Mateta's availability ahead of the transfer deadline on February 1.

With the 26-year-old under contract until June 2026, it could cost Leverkusen around £20m to prise him away from Selhurst Park.

Palace would also need to find a quick replacement before they sanction any sale, and while Marseille's Iliman Ndiaye has been picked out as a potential option, they will find it difficult to sign the Senegal international before the end of the window.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, Rangers are reportedly on the brink of completing the loan signing of Lens winger Oscar Cortes.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement is still looking to make further additions to his squad in the January window, having recruited Fabio Silva and Mohamed Diomande on loan and permanent deals respectively.

According to the Daily Record, Rangers have reached an agreement with Lens to sign Cortes on loan until the end of the season.

The deal allegedly contains an option to buy clause and the Colombian is now travelling to Glasgow to finalise the move.

The 20-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side from Millonarios in the summer, signing a long-term contract until June 2028.

However, Cortes has had to settle for just four Ligue 1 appearances after failing to force his way into Franck Haise's plans.

Cortes, who made his Colombia debut in June 2023, will offer Rangers some versatility, having had experience of playing on either flank and as a number 10.