‘Very gifted’: Manager reacts after reported Aston Villa interest in exciting striker

Aston Villa plan to sign another teen sensation and Northampton Town boss Keith Curle believes Caleb Chukwuemeka is a forward with huge potential, according to the Northampton Chronicle.

If the Midland giants can fight off competition from the likes of Norwich City and Club Brugge, the Chukwuemeka brothers could be reunited at Bodymoor Heath before the transfer window closes in October.

In the eyes of Villa chief executive Christian Purslow, all-action midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is “probably the best 16-year-old in England”.

And, according to the Daily Mail, the Premier League outfit are keen to snap up his older brother too.

Caleb made his senior league bow in Northampton’s 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

And Curle has now attempted to clear up reports suggesting the youngster had rejected the chance to sign professional terms at Sixfields.

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“The reality is that Caleb hasn’t been offered a contract yet,” says the former England international.

“We’ve identified him as a player (who has) room for development and that’s why he’s been training with the first team.

“The club haven’t received an offer for Caleb and the club haven’t offered him a pro contract because he’s still under contract at the football club.

“I think, technically, the lad is a very, very gifted footballer,” Curle adds.

Aston Villa have been working hard behind the scenes as they look to make their Bodymoor Heath finishing school one of the most prosperous in European football, raiding local rivals West Brom for academy manager Mark Harrison and talent spotter Steve Hopcroft.

Villa have already raided Exeter City and beaten Bayern Munich to the signature of 16-year-old Ben Chrisene, while England youth star Louie Barry arrived from Barcelona in a deal that could reach £3 million.

In other news, 'Like Kieran Tierney': Pundit says Celtic could lose £18k-a-week star linked with Leicester