The 18-year-old is expected to be on the move this summer due to his contractual situation at Villa Park.
One of the most highly-rated youngsters to come through the Villans’ academy, Chukwuemeka has entered the final year of his current contract.
The versatile midfielder was left out of the squad for the pre-season tour of Australia to sort out the contractual issues but opted against extending.
Aston Villa then decided to sell the midfielder this summer, with Newcastle looking to keep him in the Premier League.
The Villans have put an asking price of £20m on Chukwuemeka’s head and would prefer to sell him abroad, and it has been suggested Barcelona are his likely destination.
The news will be a blow to Newcastle, who are firm admirers of the player and stood ready to swoop in.
Chukwuemeka made his Premier League debut at the end of the 2020/21 season, coming off the bench in wins against Tottenham and Chelsea under Dean Smith.
He failed to establish himself in the starting line-up under current boss Steven Gerrard and looks set to start the next chapter of his career in Spain.
