Unai Emery urges Liverpool to help 'damaged' Harvey Elliott out of Aston Villa limbo

Elliott has played in just seven matches since joining on loan last summer, due to a clause which means Villa must buy him permanently once he hits 10 appearances.

Emery brought the 22-year-old back in from the cold for the last two games but now wants Liverpool to agree an amendment to the loan agreement, which would allow him to play more over the second half of the season.

The boss claimed the clubs had been in discussion “for three months” over changing the terms without success but says a deal can still be struck outside the transfer window.

Villa would have to pay between £30-35million to buy if the buy obligation was triggered.

Emery said: “I know we are damaging him, because we got a deal with Liverpool in the summer. 

“The deal is there, and we are taking the decision responsibly from my side. 

“It can change for him, in case Liverpool take off this clause. If they don't want, OK."

Elliott did not play for nearly four months before starting Villa’s recent Europa League win over RB Salzburg.

His return to the fold has coincided with Emery’s team suffering a midfield injury crisis.

Liverpool have remained steadfast in claiming the problem is one for Villa to solve but Emery said: “I am opening the door to play with us, because he can help us. 

“But it's not only on my side. The other side is Liverpool, if they are taking off the clauses they have, to play matches and to buy him.

“I said to him (Elliott): 'You are going to play here with us, it's a sport decision’. 

“But now it's a sport decision and a business decision. 

“My sport decision is still there - 'you are deserving to play, we need your qualities in the field, you are going to play’. 

“But the clauses are still there and now it is Liverpool - they have the key.”