Liverpool and Arne Slot have just one week remaining before the transfer window closes in the Premier League
Harvey Elliott applauds
Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott has not enjoyed his time at Aston Villa(Image: Getty)
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Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the year on Saturday, falling 3-2 to Bournemouth in a dramatic Premier League encounter. The loss ended their 13-match unbeaten streak and saw them drop out of the top four.
Arne Slot's men had been looking to maintain momentum following an impressive Champions League triumph over Marseille as they made the trip to the south coast. However, they were caught by a devastating late blow when Amine Adli struck a stoppage-time winner, overturning goals from Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The weekend's disappointment wasn't confined just to current Liverpool players, as Harvey Elliott found himself watching Aston Villa's match from the substitutes' bench once again.
The midfielder was included in Unai Emery's Premier League matchday squad on Sunday for the first time since October. But Elliott's loan arrangement features a £35million purchase clause that Villa must trigger should he reach 10 appearances this campaign.
A Liverpool legend has now delivered some forthright comments about the struggling attacker as the ECHO brings you the latest transfer developments from Anfield.
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Harvey Elliott's 'waste' of a loan deal
During his stint at Villa Park so far, Elliott has made just five appearances, with only two starts to his name. Prior to being named amongst the substitutes for the 2-0 win over Newcastle, he hadn't featured in a top-flight matchday squad for more than three months.
With Villa appearing reluctant to make his switch permanent for £35m and manager Emery effectively confirming this stance, Elliott's prospects look limited. Should Villa choose to end the loan early, they could face a financial penalty. He's also prevented from joining another European club this season if he returns to Anfield, due to FIFA regulations.
Liverpool legend Carragher has now cautioned Elliott that his loan spell won't improve, with the former Reds defender convinced he'll have squandered a year of his career at Villa Park.
Aston Villa's Harvey Elliott arrives for the Premier League match between Sunderland and Aston Villa at Stadium of Light
The 22-year-old has struggled for game time(Image: Getty)
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"Aston Villa aren't gonna pay," said Carragher on Sky Sports before Villa's win over Newcastle. "He [Emery] may bring him on three or four times between now and the end of the season, but he certainly won't bring him on five times because that's when it clicks into place.
"That's the ruthless nature of football. If the manager doesn't fancy the player and he doesn't think he can add to what he's got, are the club gonna spend whatever it is? I think it's £25-30m?
"Listen, I understand where Emery is coming from, but I really feel for the young lad. It almost feels like he's wasted a year of his career."
Lewis Koumas returns to Anfield
One player who has been brought back from loan by Liverpool is young Welsh international Lewis Koumas. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Stoke City and joined Birmingham City in August on another temporary deal.
Koumas had featured 25 times under Chris Davies, netting his maiden goal for the side during a 3-2 victory over Coventry City earlier this month.
However, Liverpool have now announced that Koumas has been recalled from the Championship club, with his temporary spell brought to an early conclusion. It's believed the Reds want to evaluate his next steps, with another loan move appearing probable.
With Craig Bellamy's Wales squad selections for the forthcoming World Cup play-offs and potentially the main tournament on the horizon, Koumas will be eager to secure regular first-team football.
The ECHO reports that a loan move to Hull City is on the cards for Koumas and the club have emerged as a strong contender to land the Welshman for the rest of the season.