Chelsea could see an £80m bid accepted to sign the England star

Chelsea have never enjoyed a successful season, but they have found a silver lining in the form of Xabi Alonso, who will replace interim manager Calum McFarlane at the end of the season.

The Blues need to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, boosting their chances of finishing seventh in the Premier League, thereby securing the Europa League instead of the Conference League.

Of course, Chelsea could end up not having a ticket on any continental train carriage, and they will not allow that to happen, with the aim of a summer transfer that is sure to turn its nose up at the previously saved campaign.

Chelsea are studying the conditions of the Premier League striker

Chelsea's stars have felt the effects of a surprise exit, as Cole Palmer was left out of the England squad after a year of neglect in the Premier League.

Palmer will return, but Chelsea recognize the need for more support in attacking areas, having started work in the Premier League against Palmer's star for club and country.

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have joined the race for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who hopes to leave Villa Park this summer after his club's Europa League triumph.

Rogers is one of the best in the business, comfortably across the front line, with Villa seemingly willing to cash in for around £80m.

He is being followed by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, so Chelsea will need to ensure they secure a place in Europe on Sunday.

Why Rogers could be an upgrade on Palmer at Chelsea

Rogers has ridden the wave well, and may consider recent developments at Aston Villa the perfect way to sign and move on.

Chelsea would be more than happy to oblige.

Rogers has scored 28 goals and provided 28 assists in all competitions since the start of last season, hailed as a “humble genius” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Also described as “one of the best in the world” by Redknapp, Rogers has arguably outpaced Palmer in the Premier League this season, and given the way he has gone from strength to strength in two-and-a-half years in the Second City, he may well continue to surpass his compatriot in the next few years.

While playing outside and outside is not exactly in Rogers' wheelhouse, Palmer has been a standout this season, creating chances and using his speed and athleticism to make things happen in the attacking third. He drives forward and into space with aplomb.

If Chelsea were to sign Rogers, there would be a tacit acceptance that Palmer's long-term future may not be at Stamford Bridge. He will certainly be given the 2026/27 campaign to prove himself again, but Rogers has every opportunity to take his place as Chelsea's new talismanic attacking forces.

Would he be worth a pretty penny? Sure, but he would be worth the pay, bringing a presence on the left wing and in the center of the park, combining with Chelsea's new striker, whoever it is, with ease – just look at how his relationship with Ollie Watkins has developed.

Rogers may not have the same pass rush as Palmer, but he will act as a foil of sorts. Maybe the locals can work together in Alonso's Chelsea team. There is no question that they are among the most talented Englishmen in business right now.