Harvey Elliott's next steps as Arne Slot and Unai Emery in transfer standoff

Harvey Elliott could return to Liverpool in January as Aston Villa explores ending his loan deal early, with the club looking to avoid an obligation to buy that would trigger after 10 appearances

Harvey Elliott is struggling for minutes at Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)

Harvey Elliott is inching toward a New Year return to Liverpool.

Insiders close to Elliott's camp suggest that Aston Villa is seeking an exit from the England U21 midfielder's season-long loan and transfer next summer. Villa is obliged to make the deal permanent if Elliott, 22, clocks up a certain number of appearances for the West Midlands club, believed to be 10. However, he has only made five so far, having fallen out of favor under manager Unai Emery.

Without a recall clause, Villa and Liverpool will need to renegotiate their agreement. Elliott has also turned out for Liverpool this season and, due to FIFA regulations, can only play for a third club this term if their campaign overlaps with the Premier League's.

Liverpool has lost Alexander Isak for an extended period following an injury sustained while scoring in the weekend victory over Tottenham, while Mohamed Salah is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, and Cody Gakpo is also currently out of action.

Hugo Ekitike has shone in his debut season for Liverpool, netting 11 goals, but the only other forward cover comes from Federico Chiesa, who remains largely untrusted by Arne Slot, and young talent Rio Ngumoha.

Elliott can function on the right of a three-man attack, and he can also slot into midfield, where Liverpool's options are limited.

Elliott could return to Liverpool in January(Image: Getty Images)

West Ham and RB Leipzig are among the clubs that continue to admire Elliott and may rekindle their interest at the season's end.

What has Unai Emery said about Harvey Elliott?

"We are speaking with him and about his situation," Emery said ahead of a Europa League game earlier this month.

"He is not here with us. Hopefully, we can get the best for him and the best for us. I respect him as a player and as a person.

"He is training well, but we have one circumstance with him. Hopefully, we can get a solution for him to try to play consistently and try to continue in his career with us or not."

Emery added: "I have spoken with him two or three times about the situation we have with him. Firstly, my decision and also the situation. He is on loan playing with us, but he is not definitely adding to us with a permanent contract."

What has Arne Slot said about Harvey Elliott?

"No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player," said Slot on Tuesday when asked if Elliott is returning to Liverpool in January.

"He's supposed to be going there for the season. Any questions about him, the best place to ask is in Villa.

"They are doing really well, by the way."