MLS interest as Emery sees 'no future' for Elliott at Villa

1 week ago 2

BBC Sport understands that Charlotte FC, the MLS side managed by Dean Smith, are interested in Liverpool's Harvey Elliott but the 22-year-old isn't overly keen on moving to America.

Given the injury problems at Anfield, it is not impossible that Elliott, who is on loan at Aston Villa, ends the window as a Liverpool player but the stance on Merseyside is that this is very much Villa's problem to solve.

There is no recall clause in the current deal and Liverpool are only expected to engage if an approach was initiated by Villa for Elliott to return to Anfield. If that was the case, Villa would be expected to pay a fee to terminate the loan and potentially contribute to Elliott's wages.

When Elliott made the loan move in the summer, Liverpool budgeted accordingly with the understanding that a £35m move would become permanent in the summer of 2026. The deal stated that once Elliott made 10 appearances for Villa, there would be an obligation to make the transfer permanent.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was asked recently if the club had explored the possibility of bringing Elliott back and he said: "No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player and he's supposed to be going there for a season."

Despite only making five appearances and not playing since October, Elliott has conducted himself well at Villa, but Emery has made it clear that he sees no future for the Englishman in Birmingham, so a solution is expected before the end of the window.