McKenna reveals he twice came close to signing Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers

Versatile forward Morgan Rogers, 22, joined Villa in a deal worth up to £15m, from Middlesbrough, back on January transfer deadline day and has since gone on to establish himself as a key man in Unai Emery's attack. The former England U21 international previously spent four years at Manchester City, during which time he had loan spells at Lincoln (League One), Bournemouth and Blackpool (both in the Championship. “Morgan Rogers is a player that we know well," said McKenna. "We were certainly there or thereabouts to bringing him here a couple of times earlier in his career when he was on his loan moves. "He’s a player that I’ve known for a good number of years. We played against him nine months ago when he was at Middlesbrough, now Aston Villa have improved him and the impact he’s having at Premier League level – though hopefully not this weekend – is great to see." Ipswich saw Villa beat them to the signing of Hull winger Jaden Philogene this summer, though the latter is currently injured.  “They’ve recruited really well," said McKenna. "They’ve invested a lot and invested wisely. The manager has shown he consistently improves and gets the best out of what he’s got. That’s why they’re doing so well." Villa finished fourth in the Premier League last season to qualify for the Champions League. They have won six of their opening seven games across all competitions at the start of 2024/25. Ipswich, back in the top-flight after a 22-year absence, are still waiting for their first victory of the campaign. Defeats to Liverpool and Man City were followed by draws against Fulham, Brighton and Southampton.