Fresh Carney Chukwuemeka transfer claims made as Aston Villa contract stand-off continues

Carney Chukwuemeka is no closer to penning fresh terms at Aston Villa, despite Steven Gerrard being desperate for the teenager to commit his future at the club.

The highly-rated midfielder was expected to sign a new deal after his 18th birthday back in October, though, he wants more assurances over his playing time in the Premier League. He has made eight appearances from off the bench under Gerrard since the current boss replaced Dean Smith in November.

Chukwuemeka started his first top-flight game in the 1-1 draw with Brentford in August which was his only appearance under the former Villa boss this term, having made two appearances in the club's final two games of the 2020/21 campaign, including his debut against Tottenham Hotspur.

And while the 18-year-old continues to dither over signing a new contract at Villa, reports suggest clubs across Europe are watching the situation unfold. The Daily Mail claims Chukwuemeka is being monitored by Borussia Dortmund, who believe he can follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

In January, Gerrard issued a blunt response to Chukwuemeka's future, and said: "We want him to sign and to extend and reward him for what we've seen so far. We've got big aspirations and a big road map for Carney but, in terms of answering your question, there's only one person who can answer and that's Carney."

asked Gerrard earlier this month if talks have progressed over Chukwuemeka extending his stay beyond 2023, and his response was telling. He said: "No, no. As far as I know they haven't progressed. We've done everything we can from our side to try and make them progress. I'm not sure where that's up to at the moment."