Aston Villa close to confirming transfer for Liverpool star who ‘likes the idea’

Aston Villa are on the cusp of confirming the deadline day transfer of the outgoing England Under-21 captain from Liverpool.

Harvey Elliott is reportedly set for his Villa medical after terms were agreed on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer for £34 million.

The structure of the deal allows Villa to maintain compliance with financial regulations and represents incredible value for an up-and-coming player who would instantly improve Unai Emery’s attacking options.

Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market, adding an array of attacking talent, and Elliott’s involvement under Arne Slot in the Reds’ title-winning season was already limited. Emery is an ideal manager for the player’s development.

Elliott can play as a central midfielder, number 10 or outside forward and his ability to adapt to different roles make him a suitable addition for a club where he can expect to play a lot more football in 2025/26.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey reported Villa’s progressing interest in the 22-year-old and believes it makes sense for all parties.

“Aston Villa are trying for Harvey Elliott,” he said. “The problem is they can’t do a permanent deal because of PSR regulations, but the player is keen, and a loan with an obligation to buy could be an option.

“I’m told Elliott likes the idea of joining Aston Villa; they are a good club with a very good manager. Elliott, as we have previously said, does not want to leave in theory, but he knows Alexander Isak coming in will impact on him, and he needs and wants more regular football.”

A rising star under Jürgen Klopp

Elliott developed well under former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp after joining the club in 2019. His progress was closely managed and he was loaned out to Blackburn in the 2020/21 season.

He  made 49 appearances for the second-tier club, scoring seven times and assisting 11 goals in a team that finished well outside the Championship play-off picture.

The Chertsey-born attacking midfielder started to enjoy regular Premier League football in the 2022/23 season and continued to grow in influence in Klopp’s final season. He will leave Liverpool with 149 appearances to his name in all competitions and 15 goals to his name.

Elliott’s reputation has pushed him towards a senior international call-up. It hasn’t happened yet, not least because of his diminishing involvement at Liverpool under Slot, but he captained Lee Carsley’s Under-21s in the summer as they retained the European Championship title.

He was instrumental in the latter stages, scoring five goals including one in the final in Slovakia.

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