The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has delivered a promising update on the future of Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka.

What's the story?

The 18-year-old has been involved in the past two Premier League games for Steven Gerrard's side this season, and now, Preece has claimed that he still expects Chukwuemeka to commit his future to the club.

He said: "A fantastic point; it was all set to be done but Smith wasn't bringing him on in games prior to him leaving. Pressure was mounting at that time. Carney's reps said they were in no rush knowing his current deal runs to 2023. I was the reporter who asked Gerrard about his situation last week post-Man City and his reaction was telling, as if he had a direct message to Carney's agents saying to keep quiet and let him get on with his footy.

"I still expect Carney to commit, though."

Villa fans will be buzzing

Given that reports from earlier this year had suggested that some of the biggest clubs both in the Premier League and from abroad were keeping an eye on Chukwuemeka's contract situation at Villa Park, news that he is still expected to put pen to paper on a new deal is sure to leave Villa fans buzzing.

In fact, speaking after he made an appearance against Manchester City, Gerrard himself said: "I think we just need to let the kid play football, let him evolve, let him grow. I think we’ve shown what we think of the kid (on Wednesday night), shown our belief and confidence in him at this level of game.

"But we believe this is the right place for him and if anyone else thinks it’s not I’d like to sit in front of them and discuss that because he’s a local lad and he’s enjoying it. He’s enjoyed the last two weeks – I spoke to him face-to-face and we’ve told him that if he keeps performing he’ll be very much part of the first team set-up so I don’t foresee a problem and I certainly don’t want a problem to brew in the background. And, for me, I don’t think it will."

With the teenager now being given more of a taste of first-team football under Gerrard, there really isn't any more reason for Chukwuemeka to feel he would be better served by leaving for elsewhere.

He is an exceptional talent, once dubbed as one of the best in his age group in the country by Christian Purslow and his underlying numbers reveal why.

In just five Premier League 2 appearances this term, he has registered two goals and two assists while his ten strikes and eight goals in only 28 outings for the U18 side is something to be marvelled at.

With those statistics in mind, it's clear that the teenager possesses an abundant amount of potential, meaning if he does stay in the Midlands, the Villa Park faithful will be delighted.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped an Aston Villa transfer update...