£35m midfielder deal slips through Liverpool's grasp after club to club talks

It’s been a season to forget for Harvey Elliott.

The Liverpool midfielder agreed to a one-season loan deal at Aston Villa on transfer deadline day.

As part of the agreement the Villans would pay £35m for a permanent deal once the 22-year-old hit 10 appearances. However it is apparent that Unai Emery made up his mind very early in the exchange that his club would go back on their word.

Elliott was used only five times across September and October before being cast into the wilderness by the Spanish manager. That all changed in recent weeks however as Emery struggled with a midfield injury crisis.

The Premier League title-winner has since made two more appearances for Villa - bringing him to within three games of his clause being triggered.

Emery declared last week that he wished to see Liverpool REMOVE the permanent transfer clause - which would in effect free up Elliott for more use by his current manager.

Aston Villa won't pay for Elliott deal

According to a report in Football Insider club-to-club talks have now taken place and Villa have informed Liverpool of their answer.

The Champions League-chasing club will NOT under any circumstances sign Elliott on a permanent deal - blowing a £35m hole in Liverpool’s budget for next season.

It’s emerged that Richard Hughes considered Elliott “sold” - even though he is under contract until 2027. But the club have planned for Elliott’s transfer fee and wages to be added to the books regardless.

“Aston Villa still have no intention of signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott permanently even at a cut-price fee,” the report reads.

“Unai Emery and Co. have held talks with Liverpool over a potential re-negotiation of the clause that will see them pay £35million for the 22-year-old once he makes 10 appearances.

“The second city outfit do not want to sign Elliott permanently under any circumstances, and will only hand him further opportunities during his loan spell if a compromise can be reached over the current agreement.”

Harvey Elliott stuck in limbo

The compromise that Villa would like to reach is laughably one-sided. What they are asking for is free usage of Elliott - at the same time chasing Champions League football along with his parent club.

Liverpool agreed to the convoluted loan-to-purchase agreement at a time when Villa were struggling with PSR.

They effectively agreed to defer the payment of £35m until 2026 but events around Villa at the start of the season have seen the club change their minds.

There is no way Liverpool should agree to renege on their agreement with Emery. Yes it means Elliott remains in limbo but they will have another chance to sell him next summer - albeit at a reduced fee.

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