Manchester United are reported to be watching Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka.
The Times reports United are among a group of top sides keeping track of the 17-year-old midfielder.
The report states: “At Villa, there is little doubt that Chukwuemeka will be the next big thing out of England, following in the footsteps of Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.”
Chukwuemeka is 17 and plays as an attacking midfielder. He has been training with Villa’s first team squad and only a positive Covid test denied him the chance to make his debut in the FA Cup last month.
The teenager reportedly turned down City previously, believing Villa offered him a better path to first team football.
This would obviously count against United too, with the task of breaking into the Red Devils first team tougher than ever right now.
Keeping track of top talent
Top English talent is now at a premium with Brexit regulations restricting the number of moves for foreign youngsters.
Chukwuemeka is eligible to play for Nigeria but is an England youth international and was born in Northampton.
United missed out on Jude Bellingham last summer who chose to join Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham.
Chukwuemeka signed a professional contract last October. He was previously described as ‘probably the best 16-year-old in England’ by Villa CEO Christian Purslow.
No move for the midfielder is imminent, nor expected, but if there was a situation where Chukwuemeka became agitated at Villa through a lack of chances, or financial reasons, or other, United have already done their due diligence and are well aware of his talent, and would be ready to swoop if it was deemed to be a suitable option.
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