Barcelona leading race to sign Aston Villa starlet and England Under-19s hero Carney Chukwuemeka, who is left out of pre-season tour of Australia 

Barcelona are leading the race to sign Aston Villa’s teenage midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, talkSPORT understands. The LaLiga giants, as well as a number of top European Premier League sides are interested in signing the 18-year-old. Getty He’s also a key player for England at youth level Villa boss Steven Gerrard says Chukwuemeka has been left out of Villa’s pre-season tour of Australia with the player stalling on a new contract offer. The Villans could be forced to sell the academy product, who’s in the final year of his contract at Villa Park. Chukwuemeka can sign for an overseas club for a minimal compensation fee from January. He’s made just 16 appearances for Villa’s first-team, however, there are very high hopes for him. Born in Austria to Nigerian parents, Chukwuemeka represents England at youth level. The midfielder played a key role in England’s route to glory at the Under-19 European Championship in June and July, scoring in wins against Austria as well as the Young Lions’ second goal in the 3-1 win over Israel in the final. Getty Chukwuemeka (centre) scored three goals in England’s Under-19 European Championship-winning campaign news Chelsea announce Sterling with Koulibaly next, Raphinha to Barca, Martinez 'imminent' huge Sterling, Koulibaly and another defender in - Chelsea XI to fight rivals for title woes Premier League clubs warned European Super League not dead after over £1bn losses done Chelsea confirm signing of Sterling from Man City as deal splits opinion on talkSPORT vex Mourinho rattled by Sunderland star's tackle and marches onto the pitch to protest gutted 'It f***** hurts' - Pulisic shirts 'ruined' by Jorginho autographs on US tour search Ex-Man United star Lingard warned he's 'overpricing himself' amid West Ham links BED IN Southampton open to offers for ace with Leicester lining up move Chukwuemeka has previously been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. Villa have been very busy this summer, making six signings so far including Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal and defender Diego Carlos.

Aston Villa ‘open’ to Carney Chukwuemeka move with Steven Gerrard stance clear 

© Christian Hofer - The FA/The FA via Getty Images Carney Chukwuemeka of England celebrates with team mates Alex Scott and Dane Scarlett Your Aston Villa digest for Thursday, July 14. Villa 'open to selling' Chukwuemeka Aston Villa are reportedly “open to selling” academy starlet Carney Chukwuemeka, amid speculation over his future. The 18-year-old midfielder made 14 appearances for Villa last season as he made the step up to the first team. Chukwuemeka then starred for England U19s this summer as he produced three goals and two assists in the Young Lions’ run to winning the Euros. However, after entering the last 12 months of his contract, he has been at the centre of transfer reports, with Barcelona linked with a move for the teenager. Steven Gerrard has since decided to leave Chukwuemeka out of Villa’s pre-season camp in Australia as a result of him being yet to sign a fresh deal with the club. Read more READ: Gerrard explains Aston Villa tour absences and admits Chukwuemeka issue READ: West Ham set to make £34m bid after Aston Villa warning from Gerrard Chukwuemeka decision Carney Chukwuemeka has not travelled for Aston Villa's tour of Australia.

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