Dean Smith has revealed his Charlotte FC side are willing to offer Harvey Elliott an end to his Aston Villa nightmare. Elliott joined Villa from Liverpool on transfer deadline day on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy conditional on appearances.
However, the midfielder has only made five appearances for Villa, with Unai Emery now opting not to play him to avoid triggering the £35m permanent deal option. That has left Elliott in limbo as – having played for the Reds and Villa this season – he can’t play for another European club.
Reports first emerged earlier this month that Charlotte were keen to target Elliott on loan, while Smith has now confirmed his side’s interest in the midfielder.
“I put the feelers out, obviously, when I was over there,” he told Sky Sports.”I was thinking about it and thought, there is an opportunity here.
“If he is not going to play at Villa, and can’t play anywhere else, then it would be an option for him to come and play some games up until the World Cup break.
“If he is not playing between now and the World Cup, it is a shame. There is an opportunity for him to come out and play here if that is what Liverpool or Villa wanted to do.”
Villa boss Emery confirmed earlier this month that he decided not to sign Elliott permanently two months ago. He said: “We have the issue with Harvey Elliott.
“Again, I am respecting all I can because he is a very good guy, a professional and respectful guy. The situation he has with us is something that I must take a decision on, but trying not to damage the player as less as possible. He deserves the best for him.
“After it, if he is leaving, we can maybe try to use the position he is [in] to let us work something [in the market]. Until now, we only signed Alysson because we believe in his potential.
“Of course, we are opening the door for players with more experience. The players we have, I am so happy. In case we are not signing more players, I am really convinced myself to get the objective we have this season.”
Emery then added: “The problem we have with Harvey is that he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him. We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to.
“This is the only issue. He is training every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions. This is not something good for us and him – but this is football and sometimes we must make decisions.”