Carney Chukwuemeka enjoyed a fine cameo off the substitute’s bench for Aston Villa in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in midweek.
But for a superb save from Ederson, ranked among the best goalkeepers in the world, Chukwuemeka would have been the Villa Park hero on a night when Steven Gerrard’s side ran their opponents close.
It was Chukwuemeka’s first appearance since rumours emerged last week of a potential contract stand-off between the 18 year-old and Villa.
Reports have claimed the highly-rated youngster, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, will snub a new offer from Villa.
Chukwuemeka signed his first professional contract in October last year with the deal due to run until summer 2023, meaning this summer is the last window in which they could get a transfer fee for him with the player able to speak to clubs abroad about a free transfer in nearly a year’s time.
Gerrard gave Chukwuemeka his first Premier League minutes since August when he came on against City and commented on the situation at a press conference earlier this week
