Harvey Elliott offered MLS lifeline by ex-Aston Villa manager amid European ban

Charlotte FC are prepared to offer Harvey Elliott an escape from his nightmare loan spell at Aston Villa.

The 22-year-old has endured a difficult campaign since joining the Villans on loan from Liverpool on transfer deadline day, finding himself out of favour under manager Unai Emery.

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Elliott’s arrival at Villa Park included an obligation to make the move permanent for £35million, as well as sell-on and buy-back clauses.

But things haven’t gone according to plan for him since, having made just five appearances for Villa, as well as playing twice for Liverpool.

This has prompted talk that Elliott could cut his loan spell short halfway into the season.

With the England Under-21 star not part of Liverpool boss Arne Slot‘s plans, he would likely seek a move elsewhere.

Unfortunately for Elliott though, his options are severely limited due to FIFA rules, which state that a player cannot play for more than two European teams in a season.

This has opened the door to a move across the pond, with a number of MLS sides aware of the playmaker’s situation.

American dream

Charlotte FC, managed by former Villa boss Dean Smith, are leading the charge for Elliott, who are keen on snapping him up on loan.

It is understood the North Carolina side would only want a loan deal, who do not possess the funds to meet his £35m valuation.

On the other side of the coin, there are also major doubts over whether Elliott himself is keen on a move, while Liverpool will only entertain a recall if Aston Villa initiate this.

However, a move Stateside would offer the player the chance of some much-needed game time, while his arrival during a World Cup year would no doubt generate plenty of attention.

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It’s fair to say much more was expected of Elliott after signing for Villa, who joined after winning the player of the tournament award and finishing as top scorer at the under-21s European Championship, which England won.

But he has been unable to build on this in Birmingham, and last featured for the final four minutes of his side’s 2-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa League on October 2.

Emery: Villa ‘not convinced’ to sign Elliott

Villa’s obligation to buy Elliott becomes active if he makes 10 Premier League appearances for the club.

And his manager Emery has revealed this is a major factor behind his lack of playing time, with the club no longer keen on signing him permanently.

Asked about Elliott’s current situation in a press conference on Friday, the Spaniard said: “I am respecting him all we can because he’s a very good professional, very respectful but the situation we have is something.

“The problem we have with Harvey is this year he is on loan and in case he is playing matches, we must buy him.

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“We decided two months ago we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we need. This is the issue.

“But he is training every day, very good with us to help us in training and of course it is not good for him or good for us, but it is football and sometimes we must take decisions that are not good for us.”

talkSPORT verdict: Alex Crook (chief football correspondent)

“The suggestion is that maybe Harvey Elliott wouldn’t be particularly keen to make that move anyway,” Crook said on talkSPORT.

“But that’s been one of the strange things from the first half of the season.

“Because again, when he signed, I think we all thought, well, what a pick up that is on transfer deadline day.

“But clearly, Unai Emery is of a different opinion.”