Newcastle United have reportedly identified Aston Villa youngster Carney Chukwuemeka as a potential transfer target.

At a time when the Magpies could be taken over by a Saudi Arabia-based consortium, a number of high-profile names are being linked with a switch to St James' Park.

However, according to Soccer Link, the possible takeover has not prevented the North-East outfit from looking to the future.

The report suggests that the new owners may be willing to spend as much as £1m on 16-year-old Chukwuemeka, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United.

Although Villa have held talks with the teenager's representatives, they are yet to tie down the prospect to fresh terms, leaving open the possibility of a switch elsewhere.

The midfielder has contributed two goals and six assists from 14 outings at Under-18 Premier League level this season.