Aston Villa are unlikely to sell midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka to another Premier League team, according to Birmingham Mail journalist Ashley Preece.

The likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in the teenager but Preece believes that Serie A champions AC Milan are currently leading the battle to sign the player:

“Carney; sticking point is Villa’s asking price [which is] £20m+. Milan simply not paying that. Milan strong, strong favourites to get him; contact has been made. Don’t expect [a] deal to be wrapped up until later this month, though. I can’t see Villa selling to another PL club, either, no matter what the price. Milan very much front-runners.”

As Preece points out, Milan are currently struggling with Chukwuemeka’s valuation but, with the player’s current deal set to expire next year, he could sign a pre-contract agreement with the Rossoneri as early as January.

In that scenario, Milan would have to pay minimal compensation next summer so Villa do have an incentive to offload him for a much lower fee before the end of August.

For that reason, if a club such as Liverpool do make an offer that is much higher than what Milan are prepared to pay this month, Villa may have to reconsider their stance on selling to another English side.