Liverpool, Man Utd get slap in face over chase for Aston Villa starlet

Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City have been warned not to make a move for young Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka this summer.

The trio of Premier League heavyweights have all been showing an interest in the 17-year-old, who only agreed new three-year contract at Villa Park last November. Indeed, Villa have plans to fast-track the youngster into the first-team squad.

To that end, the Daily Star reports that the club’s hierarchy have warned off any potential suitors.

Dean Smith already has the teenager training with the senior side. Meanwhile, the report adds that one source has compared Chukwuemeka to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, in terms of playing style.

The driving midfielder made even more headlines when smashed a hat-trick against Newcastle in the FA Youth Cup last week.

It was first reported back in February that Liverpool were chasing his signature. But that list is growing all the time, as Chukwuemeka continues to shine.

April 30 Transfer Chatter: Sterling rift at City, Dortmund following another Englishman and Liverpool move ahead of Barcelona in forward hunt.

Raheem Sterling 'seething' in midweek with Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund chase another young English talent and Liverpool in for a Dutch forward all in today's transfer chatter.

The Athletic also reportedly added that Villa believe their promising starlet can follow in the footsteps of former Birmingham star Jude Bellingham.

The 17-year-old England international moved to Borussia Dortmund last summer and has been a Bundesliga regular.

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Arsenal winning race for Liverpool target

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly confident of beating a number of clubs, including rivals Tottenham, to the signing of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be leading Spurs, as well as the likes of Liverpool, Everton and West Ham in the race to land the all-action star, who will cost around £30million. The Mali international still has two years remaining on his Seagulls contract, but looks certain to move on.

Everton, West Ham and Tottenham have all made enquiries about the possibility of a move for the 24-year-old. However, the Daily Star claims that the Gunners are the frontrunners for signature.

Arteta is known to be a huge admirer of the box-box-box midfielder. The Spaniard sees Bissouma as the perfect partner for Thomas Partey in Arsenal’s engine room.

However, other suitors still have hope – given Arteta’s current job security in the Gunners hotseat.

Brighton are keen to keep Bissouma, who has had a superb season. But they could double the £15m they paid for him back in 2018.

Liverpool were the first club to show interest this season after it emerged that Gini Wijnaldum was looking to move on. Indeed, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, who coached the player at Lille, has endorsed his former star’s credentials.

However, the report goes on to add that Arsenal are likely to seal a deal, if Arteta stays.

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