Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , England hero Emile Heskey has turned his attention to the Premier League transfer window and the big moves shaping the summer.
The former Three Lions star has explained why Aston Villa face a huge call on Morgan Rogers , backed Bradley Barcola as the marquee signing Liverpool need, and assessed what else Andoni Iraola 's side must do in the market.
The ex- Liverpool and Aston Villa man has also weighed in on the futures of Marcus Rashford and Enzo Fernandez , and given his verdict on Xabi Alonso taking charge at Chelsea .
Aston Villa
Will There Be a Price Tag on Morgan Rogers?
Morgan Rogers is a phenomenal player. I actually had him neck-and-neck with Jude Bellingham to start as the number 10 for England ; that's how highly I rate him. He picks up great positions and plays on the half-turn. He generally tries to go forward every time he gets the ball. If Aston Villa harbour ambitions to crack the top two and break the status quo, they need to keep players like him.
Having said that, when a club like Arsenal comes in for you, you always look at the offer. Every player has a price; we've just seen one go for £120 million. That's for the clubs to sort out, but I'm sure he'd be happy to stay as well. It'll be a huge call this summer.
Liverpool
Should Liverpool Make Barcola Their Marquee Signing?
Signing Bradley Barcola would be an amazing coup for Liverpool because he provides the pace and directness we've been missing on the left wing. We've been spoiled with Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz , and now we need Barcola to get the fans off their seats again.
Liverpool looked to have missed out on Yan Diomande to PSG , but that could open the door to Barcola leaving. It would be a statement signing for Andoni Iraola , that's for sure.
What Else Do Liverpool Need to Do?
I would keep Curtis Jones , as he gives you backup and options. It depends on whether he wants to continue as a secondary player, but he has the quality to break into the team. If he has international ambitions, he needs to be playing regularly. He won the U21 Euros and was one of the best players there. He's watched others springboard into the full team, but he needs regular football to do the same. Regarding centre-backs, with Ibrahima Konate leaving, the club must strengthen that area.
There has been talk about Virgil van Dijk leaving. That would surprise me, considering he's been the leader and the one who helps everyone else. It would be a big shock if he were the one to go.
Chelsea
How Will It Feel Seeing Alonso Managing Chelsea?
Liverpool fans will get used to seeing Xabi Alonso at Chelsea , but seeing him in the Chelsea dugout will be very weird initially. He may have held talks with the club that didn't lead to anything, so it will be strange. I think he'll get a good reception until the whistle starts, and then it'll be back to the normal of a rival manager.
Is Signing Experience Vital to Alonso?
I think Chelsea have needed that bit of experience. When they were a dominant force, they had a mix of experience and youthful energy; that's what they need to get back to that. The experienced players were superstars, and I think they're missing that now.
They have great players, but they need someone to knit it all together, so they understand how to manage and fight through games. I don't think they quite have that yet.
Manchester United
Can Rashford Take a Club to Title Contention?
I think Marcus Rashford needs to move on. I don't think he's staying at United . It'll be interesting to see where he goes. I doubt it will be another loan unless it's a move with a view to a permanent deal. I can't see him staying at United . Aston Villa might take him on loan again with a view to a permanent move. I think he'd be a great asset there. After the season and the reception he had, a change seems likely.
I thought he might be heading to Barcelona , but it seems his time there has passed. I could see him thriving at Arsenal . I'm not a big fan of Gabriel Martinelli ; I think Marcus is a lot better. It will be interesting to see if they look at him as their next left winger.
Should Man Utd Make a Move for Enzo Fernandez?
Midfield is an area that Man Utd could definitely improve, and Enzo Fernandez would help. With Casemiro having left, they need to replace that presence. He had a very good end to the season and will be missed. Enzo could be the one to come in and replace him.
If they get him, I can see them as title challengers. They've always had the players, but the systems played by previous managers haven't always suited them. If they get the system right, there's no reason they shouldn't be challenging Man City , Arsenal , and Liverpool .
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