Harvey Elliott tipped to join Leeds in permanent move from Liverpool
Leeds United would be an ideal destination for Harvey Elliott with his departure from Liverpool all but guaranteed.
That is according to former senior Aston Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Villa Park, in what quickly became a nightmare.
Villa had signed Elliott on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy for £35million, but quickly decided against the permanent deal and allowed him to make just 10 appearances across all competitions.
Unai Emery continued to suggest that the decision was based on tactical reasons, but that explanation has been faced with huge scepticism.
With Elliott's contract at Liverpool set to expire next summer, he now looks set to leave the club permanently in the coming weeks.
Transfer expert tips Harvey Elliott for Leeds United move
It would be harsh to describe the progression, or lack thereof, of Elliott's career in recent years as anything other than unfortunate.
The 2023-24 season saw the midfielder score four goals and provide 11 assists for Liverpool, becoming a key man under Jurgen Klopp at the age of just 20.
Klopp's departure and Arne Slot's arrival saw him make around half the appearances, missing a chunk of football through injury but also failing to catch the Dutchman's eye upon his return.
But a sensational Under-21 European Championships, which saw him score five goals and be named player of the tournament as England won it, set him up for a superb move.
Villa looked to be the ideal club, but it quickly became evident that Elliott had stumbled upon another manager who just did not fancy him. The next move will be crucial.
"I can see Harvey Elliott [join] Leeds, [they're] a club for him," King told Football Insider. "You know, that kind of club where he can be a key player and get regular time is ideal.
"I never fancied him from day one at Aston Villa. He was competing with Sancho, wasn't he? He's obviously leaving Liverpool, so Leeds could work out well for him."
Does Elliott have a future at Liverpool?
The situation Elliott has returned to at Liverpool, for himself personally, is better than the one he left last summer.
Andoni Iraola, a manager known for trusting and developing young players, has replaced Slot and is keen give his squad a chance to impress.
Elliott started the first game of pre-season against Sunderland and provided an assist in 45 minutes - a positive cameo for his first football since the start of February.
Iraola is yet to make a final decision and may well decide that the 23-year-old belongs in his plans, although interest elsewhere may prove decisive.