Norwich City have been credited with an interest in Northampton Town striker Caleb Chukwuemeka - but Aston Villa are reportedly leading the chase for the 18-year-old.

Belgian outfit Club Brugge also hold an interest in signing the striker - who has been prolific at youth level for the Cobblers.

The Daily Mail are suggesting that the Canaries have been tracking Chukwuemeka and are looking to secure his signature after he turned down the option of signing a professional deal at Sixfields.

Villa are hoping the allure of developing with a Premier League club will be too good to turn down for Chukwuemeka.

Dean Smith’s side have his younger brother, England under-17s midfielder Carney, on their books currently and, according to the report, wish to reunite the pair at Villa Park.

Villa chief Christian Purslow previously described Carney Chukwuemeka as ‘probably the best 16-year-old in England.’

City’s record for progressing youth talent to their first-team has seen them steal a march on so-called bigger clubs before - with the Canaries recruiting former Arsenal winger Matthew Dennis and highly-rated Sunderland right-back Bali Mumba already this summer.

Daniel Farke has forged a reputation for progressing young talent - with Jamal Lewis joining Newcastle United earlier this week.

Max Aarons, Todd Cantwell and Ben Godfrey have also graduated from the Canaries academy and are now consistent members of City’s first-team squad.

Chukwuemeka is a 6ft 3in speedy striker who played predominantly for Northampton’s under-18s last season.

He scored 16 goals and also recorded 14 assists before the youth football season was curtailed.

The 18-year-old is highly-regarded by Keith Curle and was an unused substitute in Northampton’s 4-2 FA Cup fourth-round replay defeat against Derby County last season.

Villa have also been linked with former City academy striker Ruben Shakpole. The striker confirmed on his personal Instagram page that he had left Carrow Road a fortnight ago.