Having had a pretty busy January transfer window in terms of bringing new players into the club and moving some of their current players out on loan deals, it seems as though Aston Villa could already have some plans in place for one potential deal they want to wrap up in the summer.

What's the latest?

During a recent online Q&A on the Birmingham Live website, Villa journalist Ashley Preece was asked a question regarding the current situation and immediate future of midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka after it was previously reported that the youngster would not be willing to sign a new contract at the club due to concerns over his playing time in the first team.

In response, Preece had this to say on the matter:

"As for Carney, Gerrard did say he'll stay regardless but that could just have been smoke and mirrors to the media. I'd throw him a few starts now and see how he does. Villa will sit down with him again in the summer over a new deal. A decision will then be made re his future."

Gerrard elated

Chukwuemeka joined Villa's youth ranks back in 2016 from Northampton Town and has since gone on to make 66 appearances for Villa's U18, U23 and senior sides, racking up 13 goals and 14 assists in the process.

With just one appearance in the first team before Gerrard was appointed Villa manager back in November, it's understandable why the player was not happy with his situation at the club.

However, having made an appearance in all but three of Villa's 11 previous league games, it's clear to see that the former Rangers boss sees the 18-year-old as a valid squad option for his side, or is at least trying to convince the player to stay at the club by giving him some minutes on the pitch.

Labelled as an "elegant" player in the past by former Villa star and current Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, Chukwuemeka will have a big decision to make in the summer regarding his future and whether or not he pledge his future to the Midlands club, which is something that Gerrard would like to see happen after revealing how much he and his coaching staff believe in the youngster's ability.

Should the club indeed sit down with the youngster as suggested and tie him down to a new deal, the Villa boss will understandably be elated.

In other news: Forget Digne: “Sensational” AVFC dynamo with 64 tackles has been Gerrard’s unsung hero - opinion