Harvey Elliott to Sunderland? Tactical fit, £30m calculation and Liverpool hurdle | OneFootball

Harvey Elliott has been linked with Sunderland as Liverpool assess him in pre-season. According to Sunderland Echo, the questions are tactical fit, around £30m and whether Liverpool would consider a sale.

Elliott, 23, has 205 senior appearances, 149 for Liverpool, across the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League. He has won the Premier League and two League Cups.

More creator than touchline winger, he often starts on the right then moves into half-spaces. He can play as a number 10, deeper in midfield or as an inverted wide player, attributes appealing to Régis Le Bris.

Sunderland rarely used two wingers last season. Enzo Le Fée sometimes started on the left, and Elliott could mirror that while Nilson Angulo, Chemsdine Talbi and Romaine Mundle offer more direct options.

He would likely upgrade right-sided options if Chris Rigg is viewed mainly centrally, with Jocelin Ta Bi and Trai Hume the alternatives. Comfortable receiving under pressure, he can carry the ball and thread passes, though not with blistering pace or natural width.

The finances are less straightforward. Sunderland have often found better value abroad, and a package near £30m could approach record territory for a player coming off a tough Aston Villa loan of nine games and one goal. Liverpool’s new head coach will assess him in pre-season, and if he impresses he may stay. Leeds, Palace and Coventry have been mentioned. Sunderland can offer Europa League football. Elliott fits, but price and Liverpool’s stance will decide it.

Source: Sunderland Echo