Aston Villa could now lose one of their more promising Bodymoor Heath talents in the near future...

What's the word?

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, LaLiga outfit FC Barcelona have registered an interest in out-of-contract teenager Carney Chukwuemeka ahead of next summer.

"Barcelona have serious interest in English talent Carney Chukwuemeka, he’s appreciated as [a] player with huge potential," he tweeted. "The player is in the final year of his contract with Aston Villa and would be available for FIFA training compensation in January."

The 18-year-old midfielder is yet to sign an extension at Villa Park, despite the Midlands outfit's intentions to offer him fresh terms.

Gutting news for Villa

Villa have had a tricky time of keeping their top talent over the years and the prospect of playing for a European giant could prove too hard to ignore for someone of Chukwuemeka's age.

They are also now in a tricky spot as they may have to pay the 18-year-old more than they originally wanted to in a bid to keep him in the Midlands.

A similar case could be seen with Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, who once became the club's youngest-ever Premier League player, aged 16, but within two years, he was let go. The ex-England youth international now plies his trade in Cyprus for Pafos.

On the contrary, you have Jacob Ramsey, who has broken into Steven Gerrard's first-team as a regular option - even if it's from the bench - so someone of that nature would be more deserving of a lucrative contract extension.

Chukwuemeka made his first-team debut back in May 2021 and has since gone on to make a further 15 appearances, including 11 under Gerrard since he arrived in the dugout.

The teenage sensation is certainly an exciting young talent, as evident by Gerrard's wish to tie him down to a new deal.

"Hopefully he is going to be a big player for Aston Villa," he told reporters (via the Express and Star). "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."

Meanwhile, former Villa striker Paul Merson has touted Chukwuemeka for big things. He said on Sky Sports (via Birmingham Mail) after his full debut for the club:

"He will be an absolute star. He glides across the pitch. He is a nice size. He gets on the ball. He looks for it and makes runs without the ball. I think Villa fans going away will definitely be talking about him."

Indeed, the Villa Park faithful will be absolutely gutted to learn of Barcelona's interest in the England U19 international as the Midlands side aren't able to compete with a club of that size, one regularly competing in the Champions League.

As such, supporters will surely be gutted by Romano's update, given the above evidence.

AND in other news, Gerrard looking to sign an "upgrade on" £28m Villa dynamo, supporters will be excited...