Former boss confirms escape route offer to Aston Villa outcast
Former boss Dean Smith has confirmed he wants to offer Harvey Elliott an escape from his Villa nightmare.
Elliott joined Villa on loan from Liverpool last summer but has made only five appearances, with boss Unai Emery unwilling to trigger a clause which would require them to buy him permanently for £35million.
The 22-year-old, who made two appearances for the Reds in August, is facing up to the prospect of a wasted season as he cannot play for another European club other than Liverpool or Villa this term.
Smith, now in charge of Charlotte FC, is offering him the chance to join the MLS club when their season begins next month.
The ex-Villa boss’ interest in Elliott emerged early this month and he has now gone on record to confirm it.
Smith told Sky Sports: "I put the feelers out obviously when I was over there. I was thinking about it and thought, there is an opportunity here.
"If he is not going to play at Villa and he can't play anywhere else, then it would be an option for him to come out and play some games up until the World Cup break.
“If he is not playing between now and the World Cup break, it is a shame. There is an opportunity for him to come here and play if that is what Liverpool or Villa wanted to do.”
Those close to Elliott previously indicated he had no interest in making a US move but Smith remains hopeful that could change before the transfer window closes on February 2.
Villa would be required to buy Elliott permanently if he made 10 appearances for the club but Emery has already ruled out that possibility.
"We decided two months ago that we are not convinced to sign him, spending the money we would need to sign him,” he said.
