Harvey Elliott ‘closing in on transfer’ after Liverpool return
Harvey Elliott almost certain to agree a move to the MLS as Liverpool prepare to recall him early from his failed loan spell at Aston Villa.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old is keen to play regular football wherever that may be.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are fuming with Aston Villa over Elliott’s treatment, as the midfielder has made just five appearances since the move.
However, having featured for both Liverpool and Villa this season, he is ineligible to represent another European club and will be forced away to the MLS.
While the move is seen as “a real shame” given Elliott‘s clear talent and England ambitions, it will set him up to make a better move when the summer window opens.
Harvey Elliott closes in on MLS move
Brown told Football Insider in November that Elliott is set to leave Aston Villa as he has no part to play in Unai Emery’s plans, despite initial high hopes over the move.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted the best option for the midfielder is to go and play regular football in the MLS.
“It looks almost certain now he will end up in the MLS,” he told Football Insider.
“The lad has got to be playing football, and it’s become very clear that’s not going to happen at Aston Villa despite what he might have hoped when he joined.
“It’s a real shame, because he’s a very talented player who probably would have been knocking on the door of the England squad if he was playing regularly.
“Even at Liverpool he was a fringe player and was in and out of the team, but now he’s not even getting those sorts of minutes.
“A move to the MLS is the only way for that to happen at the moment, so that’s the best option.
“He can go out there for six months, focus on just playing and impressing, and then assess the situation in the summer and see what’s available.”
Update on Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool
Liverpool drew 2-2 with Fulham last time out, with Harrison Reed equalising just minutes after Cody Gakpo thought he had won it in the 94th minute.
Despite a recent turnaround in form, with three wins in their last five, sections of Liverpool fans have called for Slot’s sacking amid lingering concerns.
Brown told Football Insider on 6 January that Slot is still under pressure at Liverpool and has yet to ease the threat of his sacking despite a turnaround in form.
While there is no immediate expectation that the boss will be sacked, and his position is stronger than it was during their nightmare run, he is not out of the woods yet.
Brown told Football Insider last month that Liverpool are unlikely to sack Slot and hope he will continue the positive work he has done since arriving in 2024.
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.