Aston Villa signed Harvey Elliott on loan on transfer deadline day to bolster a squad competing on multiple fronts.
Elliott joined Villa on loan with an obligation to buy him permanently if he plays a certain number of games.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Villa manager Unai Emery is ‘not sold’ on Elliott.
The 22-year-old has struggled to make an impact for the Villans, scoring once in seven appearances.
Elliott, who has been described as ‘fearless’ and an ‘exceptional talent’, has featured for 167 minutes since joining the Birmingham-based outfit.
He has started just once in the Premier League and hasn’t played in any of Villa’s last four games.
Emery recently criticised the Englishman, reminding him that his performances have not been up to scratch, and Villa have a plethora of options to choose from.
Elliott may not play the number of games required to make the transfer permanent at this rate.
He was not even in the squad that defeated Manchester City last weekend.
He will miss the game against Liverpool on Saturday, as he is ineligible to face his parent club.
Elliott will seriously need to up the ante if he hopes to turn his Villa loan into a permanent move.
There is no way back for him at Liverpool, where competition for attacking and midfield roles is fiercer than ever.
His stint with the Villains was meant to prove he could thrive at the top level, but he’s fighting to stay in contention.
The onus is now on him to take the bull by the horns and make the most of every opportunity he gets.
