Report: Manchester City tracking stellar talent who’s like ‘Pogba mixed with Iniesta’

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Manchester City have reportedly expressed an interest in Aston Villa academy midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

However, the Citizens aren’t the only club said to be interested in the 17-year-old – rivals Manchester United have also thrown their name in the hat, according to The Guardian.

The England Under-18 midfielder joined the Villa setup from Northampton Town five years ago and has risen through the ranks to become one of the most highly-rated youngsters at the club.

Chukwuemeka has made 21 appearances at age level for Villa this season and has even made two senior matchday squads, including the one which faced City last time out.

He has previously compared himself to Paul Pogba, according to Goal.com, and some Villa fans believe the comparison is apt.

According to The Guardian, the Manchester giants are joined by the likes of RB Leipzig, Monaco and PSV Eindhoven in monitoring Chukwuemeka’s progress.

Chukwuemeka signed a three-year contract when he turned 17 last October, which is the maximum permitted at that age.

Villa are reportedly desperate to secure his services for longer upon his 18th birthday.

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Chukwuemeka has been earning rave reviews for his superb displays at age level for Villa, and Smith’s decision to include him in matchday squads is testament to how much talent and potential he has at such a young age.

There’s a lot of interest in him but, given City’s impressive setup at all levels – the Under-23s have won the Premier League 2 title – could they have the edge over their rivals in the market?