A big Aston Villa claim has emerged regarding Carney Chukwuemeka and his future at the club as the summer transfer window rumbles on.

What's the talk?

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has revealed that the midfielder is not willing to discuss putting pen to paper on fresh terms with the Midlands club.

The 18-year-old's current deal is due to expire next summer and Villa risk losing him for nothing if they do not act before January, when he can sign a pre-contract with foreign clubs.

Dorsett tweeted: "Carney Chukwuemeka not interested in talking contracts with #avfc currently, as he decides future. Still part of Gerrard’s plans, but 18yr old wants more guaranteed 1st team football. Dortmund interest has waned, which Carney was keen on. Plenty of others still keen."

Steven Gerrard will be gutted

This claim from the reporter will surely leave the Villa head coach gutted, as losing Chukwuemeka would be a major blow for the club.

His contract expiring next summer is a huge concern, as it means that the current transfer window may be their last chance to rake in a significant transfer fee for his services. In January, he will be able to pen a pre-contract with teams outside of England, and he will be free to sign for any club after his contract expires at the end of June next year.

This leaves Villa in a difficult situation in the present, as they must decide whether they want to cash in on him now and use the money to reinvest in the squad, or keep him and run the risk of losing him for a tribunal fee if they are unable to convince him to stay.

Whilst losing him would not make a significant impact on the team in the immediate future, as he has only made two Premier League starts, it could be a major blow for the future.

At the age of 18, he has the scope to become a great player, as he has been able to break into the Villa first team at such a young age. He has made 14 top-flight appearances in total and recently caught the eye for England at the European Under-19 Championships, scoring three goals in four games as they won the tournament.

Therefore, Gerrard will be gutted by the prospect of him leaving in the current transfer window or next summer, as he might not be able to help the gem to fulfill his potential.

AND in other news, Aston Villa handed big advantage in race to sign "relentless" £50m ace, Lange must act...