Latest Aston Villa transfer talk as Harvey Elliott named as a legitimate target for Unai Emery this summer
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool
Villa revival? Liverpool's Harvey Elliott(Image: Phil Bryan/Shutterstock)
Liverpool star Harvey Elliott has seen his place in the Anfield pecking order tumble thanks to a number of high-profile signings by manager Arne Slot this summer, but could Aston Villa be the club to get his career back on track?
The 22-year-old was arguably England's star man as they retained the under-21s European Championship title in the summer, but domestically his career seems to be at a crossroads.
Liverpool and Birmingham City old boy Jermaine Pennant believes Elliott needs to join a new club before the transfer window slams shut on September 1, and has mentioned Villa as a possible destination.
“I don’t think Harvey can stay and fight for his place because we don’t know what his best place is?" Pennant told gaming site AcceOdds.com.
"We don’t know if he’s an 8, a 10 out wide, right or left. He hasn’t got a fixed position.
"He’s an amazing utility man, but there is a team out there that will see what he has to offer and can find a role for him. He’s a great player and he’s chipped in each season.
"[James] Maddison is injured for example [at Spurs] and Elliott played a huge role in England under-21s winning the recent Euros, so a number of clubs could benefit from having him.
"Aston Villa are one, Tottenham could benefit too. Any other team in the Premier League could use someone like him."
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RB Leipzig are reported to have agreed personal terms with Elliott over a summer move, but the Bundesliga club still has to negotiate a fee with Liverpool before a deal can be agreed.
However, should Unai Emery make a late move for the player, Villa would probably be looking to pay around £40m for his signature, according to the Daily Mail.
The exit of Villa academy graduate Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United at the weekend may have given Villa transfer guru Monchi and Co some financial wiggle room, but the club must still keep one eye on the top flight's spending rules.
So far this summer, Villa have recruited two first-team signings in striker Evann Guessand and goalkeeper Marco Bizot, while they've also lost winger Leon Bailey on loan to Bayer Leverkusen.
Elliott, who plays either as an attacking midfielder or wide on the right, would be a great addition for Emery's squad. He has made 92 league appearances for the Reds, scoring five goals and winning the Premier League title and the League Cup twice.