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Liverpool didn't want to recall Harvey Elliott from his loan spell at Aston Villa - who appear dead set against signing the playmaker.

The 22-year-old has endured a horror couple of months since shining for England U21s as they claimed Euros glory, where Elliott was named the tournament's best player. It led to interest in the midfielder, who moved to Villa Park on deadline day.

He's barely featured under Unai Emery however, who has continued to overlook the player. Villa know they would have a pay a fee of around £30million if Elliott makes 10 appearances, as per his loan agreement, and are looking to avoid that.

As a result Elliott's future has been a talking point throughout January but the Athletic claims that there has been no progress on the removal of the purchase obligation clause - and Liverpool themselves didn't want to bring the player back to Anfield.

Elliott will therefore stay in the Midlands until the end of the season, where he is likely to remain a peripheral figure with game time very much at a premium.

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He was given a rare start in Villa's win over Red Bull Salzburg in the Europa League last week, but Emery admitted that his stance on the player had not changed with the club unwilling to spend the necessary amount.

The Spaniard said earlier this season: "The problem we have with Harvey is that this year 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 sign him. This is the only issue.

"He is training every day, always every day with very good behaviour and to help us in training sessions. This is not something good for him and good for us, but this is football and sometimes we must take some decisions which are not good for everyone."

Elliott was very much a squad player at Liverpool prior to his exit, nearly all of his appearances last term came from the bench, leaving plenty to question whether he was trusted by Arne Slot. He started just twice in the Premier League - and has since fallen down the pecking order.

Liverpool's summer spending saw a number of players arrive who will be ahead of Elliott in Slot's thinking. It leaves the player in limbo ahead of this summer, when he's poised to head back to Anfield, but will likely be on the market once again.

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