Harvey Elliott is ‘unhappy’ and ‘wants to quit Liverpool’
Harvey Elliott could look to leave Liverpool in the summer transfer window amid concerns about his playing time under Arne Slot.
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 21-year-old is keen to play regular first-team football elsewhere.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are keen to keep hold of the midfielder as he remains highly-rated and they have high hopes for his future at Anfield.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 23 January that Liverpool are set for Elliott contract talks as he will have just two years remaining on his deal come the summer.
However, he wants assurances over his role under Slot and would prefer to be a regular member of the starting XI rather than a squad player as he is currently viewed.
So far this season, the midfielder has made just 17 appearances across all competitions, with only four of those coming from the start.
Brown explained that injuries have derailed his season and given him more work to do to secure his place in the team – but accepted he may have to do that away from Liverpool.
Liverpool respond to Harvey Elliott exit twist after contract claim
Brown told Football Insider in January that Liverpool are open to selling Elliott if he does not commit to a contract extension before the summer window opens.
Now, 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, has insisted the midfielder could push for a move away from Anfield in search of increased playing time.
“To be fair to him, he’s been injured for a lot of this season,” he told Football Insider.
“I must admit, when he first went to Liverpool I was doubtful about whether he was at their level.
“But you have to give him credit, he’s developed and improved his game really well – but then he’s picked up these injuries.
“Now he’s coming back and he’s got it all to do again.
“Liverpool now have to decide that, given his return to fitness, is he going to be a regular in their team?
“Does he get into their midfield ahead of the likes of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister?
“I think they like him as a squad player, who can come in and do a job, and they have high hopes for his development and future at the club.
“But from his point of view, I’m told he’s not happy just playing a bit-part role.
“In that case, he might be looking for a move away where he can play regular football.
“He’s good enough to play in the starting XI for a lot of clubs, but he’s going through a spell where he’s finding it difficult to get more involvement at Liverpool.
“I wouldn’t be surprised whatever happens with him because he’s highly-rated there and they won’t want him to leave.
“The problem is, I don’t think they can give him the playing time he wants at the moment.”
Arne Slot planning record-breaking deal to sign Carlos Baleba
Amid speculation about the future of Elliott in Slot’s side, the club are set to prioritise the addition of a new midfielder come the summer window.
Football Insider revealed that Liverpool want to sign Brighton star Carlos Baleba in a potentially record-breaking summer move.
The Reds have been keeping tabs on his progress at the Amex this season and view the 21-year-old as the potential answer to their ongoing midfield concerns.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Baleba has emerged as Liverpool’s top target and they would be prepared to pay a “mega” fee to land him from Brighton.
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