Aston Villa are reportedly fearful of losing promising teenager Carney Chukwuemeka, with the midfielder attracting interest from a number of elite clubs.

What's the word?

According to talkSPORT, there is a 'growing belief' among those at Villa Park that they could lose the 18-year-old starlet this summer, with the England U19 international yet to extend his existing deal which runs until 2023.

The Midlands side run the risk of losing the emerging asset on a 'free' next summer, albeit with a compensation fee likely to be paid due to his age, while they could potentially be forced to cash in this summer, with clubs circling.

The report suggests that fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping a watchful eye on his progress, as well as Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund - the latter side having notably poached Jude Bellingham from rivals Birmingham City two years ago.

Supporters fuming

For all the strong, early business done by Steven Gerrard and co thus far - with four major signings already confirmed - the loss of Chukwuemeka could prove a notable setback, with supporters undoubtedly fuming at the prospect of losing such a promising, youth product in the near future.

While the Austrian-born youngster is yet to truly force his way to becoming a first-team regular under the Villa boss - making just two top-flight starts thus far - he has been earmarked as a player who will kick on in the future, having been originally plucked from Northampton Town six years ago.

A solitary assist in 16 senior games for the club may not be overly impressive, although the indications are that he will go on to be a real firm fixture of Gerrard's side moving forward, with the 42-year-old previously stating his intentions to keep the highly-rated playmaker:

“Hopefully he is going to be a big player for Aston Villa. We want him to stay here long-term. We believe this is the best place for Carney. I hope that situation progresses in a positive way.”

The emerging talent is seemingly doing all he can at present to showcase just what he can do to the former Three Lions skipper - as well as to any interested parties - having shone while on international duty with England at the U19 European Championship in recent weeks.

The 6 foot ace registered a goal and an assist in each of the first two games in the competition, while also captaining the side in the third, with a semi-final clash with Italy to come on Tuesday.

The Villa starlet is showing the whole of Europe just what a talent he is, with both the club and supporters perhaps fearful that he is putting himself in the shop window by continuing to impress, with all fully aware that it may be hard to prevent his head from turning once the continent's big boys invariably come knocking.

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