Liverpool could be set to replace Mohamed Salah with a familiar face in the January transfer window, with Harvey Elliott in line for a shock return to Anfield from Aston Villa, according to TEAMtalk.
The Reds have had a miserable campaign so far under Arne Slot as they looked to defend their Premier League crown, and the Dutchman's job is now under pressure after star man Salah made a huge public outburst stating he had no relationship with Slot and that the club are trying to throw him under the bus for their poor form.
That means a January exit could now be on the cards, but there could be a ready-made replacement already on the books that could become part of Slot's squad in the new year.
Aston Villa Want to Cancel Harvey Elliott Loan
harvey elliott-1
During the summer, Liverpool allowed Harvey Elliott to depart the club on an initial loan deal to join Aston Villa, with the deal to become permanent if he made ten appearances in the campaign.
The young playmaker has so far made just five appearances, and it has now emerged that he has no future in the Midlands after Unai Emery revealed the club are looking for solutions for him to continue his career elsewhere, with "no chance" of a permanent deal.
Now, it has emerged that Villa and Liverpool are in discussions to send the 'special' attacker back to his parent club, as he can't play for another team this season due to already appearing for both sides, according to FIFA rules.
TEAMtalk say that Villa have already informed Liverpool that the 22-year-old will not be allowed to reach the terms of the agreement for the deal to become permanent, and talks are being held about him returning to Anfield early rather than in the summer.
Elliott to Replace Salah?
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their second goal with Harvey Elliott
Premier League - Manchester United v Liverpool - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - April 7, 2024 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring their second goal with Harvey Elliott REUTERS/Carl Recine
Part of the reason Elliott left Liverpool in the summer was to play more regularly, having found himself behind Salah and co in the pecking order of the attack in recent years.
But with Salah now seemingly likely to move on before the end of the January window, despite Liverpool being keen to keep him for the remainder of his contract, it could be the perfect opportunity for Elliott to return for more regular game time, in a team he knows very well, before looking for a better situation in the summer that suits him more than the decision he made last year.
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