Cobblers open talks with Chukwuemeka over new contract

Cobblers have opened contract talks with young striker Caleb Chukwuemeka following his impressive start to the season.

The 18-year-old, currently on a youth contract that expires in January, has yet to sign a professional deal despite bursting onto the scene in recent months.

It was reported before the season started that Chukwuemeka rejected an offer from the Cobblers but manager Keith Curle denied those reports, insisting he had not been offered anything.

However, things have since changed with the club now hopeful of tying down their young starlet to a longer-term deal.

"We've started talks with his father and his agent," revealed Curle this week. "He's under contract with us at the moment and the club also have the option for another year. He's still under a scholarship contract at the minute but he's been a breath of fresh air."

Chukwuemeka has made 12 appearances in all competitions, including a first ever league start at Burton Albion on Saturday. He also has two goals to his name, netting once during the 5-0 win over Southampton U21s in the EFL Trophy before coming off the bench to effectively score the winner at Wigan Athletic.

"He had a slow start at the beginning of the season when I left him with the youth team because I wanted to see that hunger," Curle added.

"Caleb has got untold natural ability where he can make the game look very, very simple but there's the other side of the game when the team hasn't got possession.

"Caleb had to understand that when he came up to the first-team because it's vitally important. As a structure, we're not good enough at the moment just to have the icing on the cake so we need everyone to do their job out of possession.

"But as an individual, I enjoy working with him and I think he's got a bright future."