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Harvey Elliott has started just one Premier League since joining Aston Villa in September Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says the club were "not convinced" two months ago to sign Harvey Elliott permanently. The forward arrived from Liverpool in September on a season-long loan, with an obligation to buy for £35m based on him playing 10 Premier League games for the Midlands club. BBC Sport understands that Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC, who are coached by former Villa manager Dean Smith, are interested in Elliott, but the 22-year-old is not keen on moving to America. Elliott has only featured five times under Emery, with his last appearance coming as a late substitute against Feyenoord in the Europa League on 2 October. "The problem we have with Harvey is that this year he is on loan, and in case he plays matches we must buy him, " said Emery. "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, who starred for England Under-21s as they won the European Championship last summer, made just two Premier League starts when Liverpool won the title last season. He has started just once in the league for Villa, and scored his only goal at Brentford in a Carabao Cup tie in September. Elliott would not be able to play for another European club this term, having already represented Liverpool and Villa in the 2025-26 campaign. Given Liverpool's injury problems, it is not impossible that Elliott ends the window back in Arne Slot's squad, but the stance on Merseyside is that this is very much Aston Villa's problem to solve. There is no recall clause in the current deal and Liverpool are only expected to engage if an approach was initiated by Villa for Elliott to return to Anfield. If that were the case, Villa would be expected to pay a fee to terminate the loan and potentially contribute to Elliott's wages. When Elliott made the loan move in the summer, Liverpool budgeted accordingly, with the understanding that the move would become permanent in the summer of 2026. Liverpool boss Slot was asked recently if the club had explored the possibility of bringing Elliott back, and he said: "No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player and he's supposed to be going there for a season. " Despite not playing since October, Elliott has conducted himself well at Villa, but Emery has made it clear that he sees no future for the Englishman in Birmingham. A solution is expected before the end of the window. Emery wants to find 'solution' for loanee Elliott Latest Aston Villa news, analysis and fan views Ask about Aston Villa - what do you want to know? Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Anthony Joshua's driver charged over Nigeria crash that killed two 'Good idea' or taking 'massive chance' - is Rosenior ready for Chelsea? Johnson 'excited to join Palace journey' after £35m move The return of a masterful, stylish thriller from spy master John Le Carré Why do people react so differently to cold weather? A brand-new game of detection, backstabbing and trust begins What turned live music into a profit machine? 'Good idea' or taking 'massive chance' - is Rosenior ready for Chelsea? 'We need to protect players' - how can tennis avoid breaking point? Sutton's predictions v singer-songwriter & Newcastle fan Andrew Cushin 'Paul was fun': Remembering snooker's lost great 20 years on Pimblett in spotlight - what does 2026 hold for MMA? 'Best bargain' Kamara at heart of Aston Villa success Which men's footballers could be on the move in January? Who might be on move in January in WSL? 'That is divine! ' - watch every PL goal of the month winner from 2025. Video'That is divine! ' - watch every PL goal of the month winner from 2025 We feel closer to him in Australia - Josh Baker's parents on dealing with loss How is Premier League doing in race for five Champions League places? 'Out of the ring, he was fighting another fight' Test Match Special Podcast. Audio Test Match Special Podcast A sombre and sobering end to the year - Bunce Sporting highlights to look forward to in 2026 NFL play-off picture - scenarios & big game deciders in season finale What did Sabalenka and Kyrgios' Battle of the Sexes achieve? Jobs can be saved in Sydney Ashes Test - Mc Grath Best images of 2025 F1 season - on and off the track The 25 best sports photos of 2025 - and the stories behind them Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.