The Birmingham Mail's Ashley Preece has dropped a major update on Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka - and it's one which should have the club's fans very excited.
What's the story?
Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that some of European football's biggest names have their sights on the 17-year-old, including Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. However, Preece has now suggested that the teenager's future at Villa Park is "mapped out", adding that he will be a part of the first team next season.
The journalist said of Chukwuemeka: "I can tell you he will be kept in the first-team, similar to Ramsey last season. Villa will be steady with him but, given game time, he can make a BIG impression next season. His Villa future is mapped out."
Fans will be buzzing
Hailed as a "star in the making" by The Athletic's Gregg Evans, Chukwuemeka netted a hat-trick in Villa's 6-1 win over Newcastle to reach the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season, a performance which had Preece absolutely raving.
Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Birmingham Mail, he said: "This was a Carney Chukwuemeka masterclass. It was a clinic in how to play an advanced midfield role with the 17-year-old oozing confidence and swagger. The hype's real surrounding this kid who, as supporters know, has been around Dean Smith's first team for a long time now. Villa's No.10 started almost every attack and looked to hurt Newcastle at every opportunity.
"European clubs are hovering looking to take Chukwuemeka and Villa could do with reassuring him that his future's at Villa Park. He's ready for some Premier League minutes. A scary talent who assisted Reddin as well. Unreal. He's got everything."
The teenager made his first team debut for Dean Smith's side in the closing weeks of the Premier League season, coming on as a late substitute away at Spurs, before getting a more prolonged run-out on the final day against Chelsea (Transfermarkt).
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Given the kind of incredible talent he possesses, this latest update about Villa planning to keep hold of Chukwuemeka and involve him in the first team next season should have fans absolutely buzzing.
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