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

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.