Aston Villa are now strong contenders in the race for a "phenomenal" player, having recently opened talks, and they are confident he would be keen on a move.
Villa eyeing midfielder with Barrenechea set for exit
With Villa looking to raise funds for their own summer transfer business, amid concerns over PSR, they have now decided to cash-in on midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, who is very close to sealing an exit.
There have also been widespread suggestions that John McGinn's future is in doubt, amid interest from the likes of Everton, while Ross Barkley is arguably yet to set the world alight at Villa Park, given his patchy injury record ever since leaving Chelsea.
Ross Barkley Injury Games missed
2020-21 Hamstring 9
2023-24 Hamstring 5
2024-25 Unknown 3
2024-25 Calf 19
Consequently, it would make sense for Unai Emery to bring in another midfielder this summer, and the Villans are now stepping up their pursuit of a Premier League player...
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now emerged as strong contenders for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, having now opened talks over a deal, and there is a belief he would be keen on sealing a move to Villa Park.
That is despite rival interest from West Ham United, with Graham Potter also pushing to sign Elliott, although Europa League football being on offer with the Villans next season could give them the edge in negotiations.
Paris St Germain's Ousmane Dembele in action with Toulouse's Jaydee Canvot Related
Aston Villa now set to make move for £17m ace, keen to finalise deal quickly
The Villans are "ready" to finalise a move for a defender...
Liverpool are not actively trying to find the attacking midfielder a new club, but they are open to bids, and there is a feeling that an offer of £35m could be enough to tempt them into a sale.
"Phenomenal" Elliott could excel at Villa Park
While the Englishman is still young at 22-years-old, he is still yet to receive a senior cap, which indicates he may need to leave Liverpool for the good of his career this summer, and Aston Villa could be a perfect fit.
The London-born midfielder has become accustomed to playing in Europe during his time with the Reds, scoring a stoppage-time winner in his side's 1-0 smash-and-grab away against Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
As such, the former Fulham man is likely to want to play for a club set to take part in a European competition next season, and Villa fit the bill, despite being in the Europa League.
Lauded as "phenomenal" by journalist David Lynch, the England U21 star also caught the eye at the U21 Euros this summer, scoring five goals throughout the tournament, including one in the 3-2 victory over Germany in the final.
Elliott is ready to be a regular starter for one of England's top clubs, and with Villa very much back in that bracket nowadays, a move could make perfect sense.