A major update has emerged surrounding Aston Villa contract rebel Carney Chukwuemeka...

What's the word?

The 18-year-old is thought to have rejected the Villans' latest offer, with Football Insider claiming that the England U19 international is wanting around £100k-per-week, which would make him their second-highest earner.

Now, transfer insider Dean Jones has provided a fresh update on the situation, claiming that two of Europe's heavyweights have entered the race for the teenager's signature as he is in the final 12 months of his current deal.

"Obviously there is the Barcelona link, but I have heard that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have also been looking at Carney Chukwuemeka," he told GIVEMESPORT.

"So, it’s becoming easier to see why he might be turning down a new Villa contract."

Gerrard frustration

This will come as hugely frustrating news to manager Steven Gerrard as it's becoming increasingly clear that he faces a big fight to keep the Bodymoor Heath talent at the club.

Chukwuemeka made his first senior start back in August 2021 and managed to stay on the fringes of the first-team under the former Rangers boss. He featured in three of their final five matches last season.

Throughout the summer, Gerrard has explained of his hope that the 18-year-old will remain a Villa player for the foreseeable future. He told reporters:

"Hopefully he is going to be a big player for Aston Villa," the Villans manager said (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."

But that seems rather unlikely with the likes of Dortmund, Bayern and Barcelona keen on signing him - that's on top of Premier League rivals Leeds United and Manchester United, too.

It's tough for Gerrard and the club's decision-makers as it will be hard to cave into his demands when only Danny Ings (£120k-per-week) is earning anything north of six figures per week at Villa Park.

This whole situation must be annoying for the boss, so he will surely be fuming by this latest development as more teams register an interest in their hugely talented prospect.

AND in other news, Ashley Preece drops striker update at Aston Villa...