Harvey Elliott has only played five matches for Aston Villa ever since joining them on loan in the summer
Harvey Elliott is edging closer to a New Year return to Liverpool. Sources close to Elliott’s camp say Aston Villa are looking for a way out of the England Under-21 midfielder’s season-long loan and projected £35million move next summer.
Villa have an obligation to make the deal permanent if Elliott, 22, notches a set number of appearances for them, believed to be ten. But so far he has made only five after becoming an outcast under boss Unai Emery.
With no recall clause, Villa and Liverpool face re-negotiating the terms of their agreement, possibly including the reported £5m loan fee.
READ MORE: Harvey Elliott’s Aston Villa situation explained – FIFA rules, Liverpool recall, £35m obligationREAD MORE: Alexander Isak injury latest as Liverpool worst fears confirmed
Elliott has also appeared for Liverpool this season and, due to FIFA rules, can only play for a third club this term if their campaign overlaps that of the Premier League.
Liverpool have lost Alexander Isak for a lengthy period of time after he was injured while scoring in the weekend win over Tottenham, while Mohamed Salah is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty and Cody Gakpo is also currently sidelined.
Hugo Ekitike has impressed in his debut Liverpool season, scoring 11 goals, but the only other forward cover comes in the form of Federico Chiesa, who remains largely untrusted by Arne Slot, and youngster Rio Ngumoha.
Elliott can operate off the right of a three-man attack, while he can also play in midfield, where Liverpool’s options are also currently stretched.
West Ham and RB Leipzig are among those who remain admirers of Elliott and may revive their interest at the end of the season.
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