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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says the club were "not convinced" two months ago to sign Harvey Elliott permanently.
The 22-year-old forward arrived from Liverpool in September on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy for £35m based on him playing 10 Premier League games for the Midlands club.
However, Elliott has only featured five times under Emery, with his last appearance coming as a late substitute against Feyenoord in the Europa League on 2 October.
"The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him," said Emery.
"We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to sign him.
"This is the only issue. He is training every day, always every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions.
"This is not something good for him and good for us, but this is football and sometimes we must take some decisions which are not good for everyone."
According to reports Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC, external, who are coached by former Villa manager Dean Smith, are interested in a loan move for Elliott, who cannot play for another European club this term having already represented Liverpool and Villa in the 2025-26 campaign.
Elliott, who starred for England Under-21s as they won the European Championship last summer made just two Premier League starts when Liverpool won the title last season.
He has started just once in the league for Villa, and scored his only goal at Brentford in a Carabao Cup tie in September.
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