Liverpool open talks with Aston Villa over £50m playmaker

Liverpool have already spent £200m during this summer’s transfer window. Landmark arrivals include Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

And if the Reds retain any ambitions to add a new striker - or a new centre-back - then a few more sales will be necessary.

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Good money has been banked for the likes of Jarell Quansah and Caoimhin Kelleher already. And others - such as Harvey Elliott - could well top up the coffers even further.

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Elliott, 22, endured a tough season despite the club winning the Premier League title - starting only two league games.

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With a contract expiring in 2027 - and Wirtz and Mohamed Salah ahead of him in the queue - Elliott may well have to look elsewhere for first-team football.

West Ham, Brighton and teams in the Bundesliga have been linked with a move for the £50m-rated playmaker previously. But according to a new report in TEAMtalk, discussions have been opened with Aston Villa over a transfer for Elliott.

Aston Villa initiate Elliott contact

“They’ve initiated contact to secure his signature,” a report reads.

“Despite competition, Villa are confident that Elliott is enthusiastic about joining their ambitious project under Unai Emery. “[Liverpool] are open to offers for the England U21 international as they look to balance their squad and finances.”

West Ham also chasing Elliott

West Ham will provide stern competition for Villa with Graham Potter said to be a keen admirer of England under-21 international hero Elliott.

But there remains a chance for Villa to wrap up a deal for the midfield schemer in the next few weeks - thereby boosting Liverpool’s coffers for other incoming deals.

The Reds are looking into deals for Hugo Ekitike as well as Alexander Isak up front. Uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate meanwhile could see the club head back into the market for a centre-back.

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Marc Guehi is a leading candidate to arrive but Jorrel Hato and Levi Colwill have also been discussed - among others.

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