Aston Villa ‘leading the chase’ for Charlton Athletic wonderkid Miles Leaburn

Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Charlton Athletic youngster Miles Leaburn.

The 19-year-old has attracted interest from a number of the Premier League’s top clubs through his performances in League One. Leaburn, who is the son of former Addicks player Carl, is the club’s second top scorer this season despite missing more than two months of the campaign through injury.

The striker came through the youth system of Chelsea, and moved to Charlton Athletic in 2019 and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2022. Leaburn has scored 11 goals in 14 starts this season and according to The Sun, Unai Emery is considering a move for the youngster this summer.

Emery’s Champions League message

Elsewhere, Unai Emery gave his verdict on Aston Villa’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League after a dominant 3-0 victory in a six-pointer against Newcastle United. Guided by an early strike from Jacob Ramsey and a clinical brace from Ollie Watkins, Villa moved to within six points of the top four on Saturday afternoon.

It was a performance that got supporters dreaming of a genuine shot at playing in the nearby continent next season as the Villans made an in-form Newcastle side look hopeless. Control was asserted from the very first minute as Watkins hit the post, with clear-cut opportunities flooding in throughout the game.

When asked about the chances of Champions League qualification, however, Emery was very reluctant for his team - and fans - to get ahead of themselves. “We are speaking about the difficult next target. We can have it [one day] but not now,” Emery said post-match.

“Now, we can think about being a candidate for the Europa League position but now a top four position is very difficult. Maybe with more good results in a few weeks we can think, but not now. There are good teams in front. We are going to face Tottenham at home and Manchester United away, but they have enough advantage at the moment,” Emery continued.

Hopes and beliefs may have well and truly commenced for that ‘next target’ coming sooner rather than later, but Villa’s head coach was sure to keep himself and those around him grounded. Regardless, it could be a very exciting end to the season indeed with 27 points still up for grabs. It’ll be tight, but it’s possible.