Matt Maher: Aston Villa's model has its flaws - but there's no doubt who's in control
Because of the colossal sums they earn, it can often be hard to find too much sympathy for Premier League footballers.
You might make an exception, this season however, for Harvey Elliott.
When the 22-year-old joined Villa at the start of September on loan from Liverpool he believed he was making the move which would best put him in a position to challenge for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Elliott spoke of how the “loving figure” of Villa boss Unai Emery could help take his game to the next level.
Some love. Just four months on, the midfielder is facing up to the threat of a completely wasted campaign unless his representatives and both clubs can come up with a solution before the end of January.
The problem, as many will know, is a clause in the loan deal which requires Villa to buy Elliott permanently once he has made 10 appearances in their colours.
Back in September, the player unknowingly uttered something prophetic when he said working for Emery “is going to be the best thing for me, so long as he trusts me”.
Well, it turns out he doesn’t. Or at least, not enough to commit £35million.
