Unai Emery provides major update on Harvey Elliott's Aston Villa future

Elliott joined in September on a season-long loan from Liverpool with a £35million obligation to buy once he made 10 appearances for Emery’s men.

But he has not played since early August with Emery now confirming he does not want to sign the 22-year-old permanently.

Villa are now in talks with Liverpool over ending the loan deal early but the situation is complicated by the fact Elliott has already played for both clubs this season, so cannot play for another in Europe’s major leagues.

Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC, managed by former Villa boss Dean Smith, are interested in taking him on loan when their season begins next month.

Emery praised Elliott’s attitude and said any decision must be made with the best interests of the player. 

He explained: “I am respecting him all we can because he’s a very good professional, very respectful but the situation we have is something. 

“I must take a decision but not damage the person. Because he’s a very good person and player and deserves the best.”

Elliott has not featured in a Premier League squad since October, with Emery instead naming academy players on the bench.

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

“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."