Wonderkid label, Gerrard praise - Man United sent verdict on transfer 'target' Carney Chukwuemeka

Manchester United are reportedly exploring a deadline-day move for Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

Sky Sports claims that a move for the talented midfielder, who can also play on the wing, is being considered separate to Jadon Sancho's potential move to Stamford Bridge. MEN Sport understands that Chelsea are making progress on talks for Sancho in what will be a loan with an obligation to buy if it goes through.

And Chukwuemeka could be moving the other way to further strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad before Friday's 11pm deadline. Below, MEN Sport has taken a look at the talented 20-year-old and his career so far...

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Chukwuemeka rose through Aston Villa's youth academy after joining from Northampton Town. The young star played at under 18 and under-23 level.

The midfielder made his senior Villa debut on May 19 2021 in a 2–1 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He was named Aston Villa Academy Player of the Season for the 2020/21 campaign and helped the U18s squad win the FA Youth Cup, beating Liverpool U18s 2–1 in the final.

The midfielder's exploits at youth level led to Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow calling Chukwuemeka 'probably the best 16-year-old in England' back in 2020. Speaking at the club’s Supporters’ Trust AGM, Purslow said: "The ultimate goal is to populate the under-23 team with 11 outstanding 16, 17 and 18-year-olds, then I will know it’s working.

"And that will take years, not months. We need to be higher in recruiting the best eight-year-old, nine-year-old, 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, 14, 16, one a year