Image source: football365.com
Harvey Elliott is closing in on a transfer to Major League Soccer after struggling for game time at Aston Villa, while Liverpool are showing renewed urgency to complete a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi this month amid competition from Manchester City.
Elliott Faces MLS Move as Liverpool Pursue January Deal for Crystal Palace’s Guehi
Elliott’s move to MLS appears almost certain according to former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who told Football Insider that the midfielder has limited options after failing to secure regular minutes at Villa Park. The 21-year-old cannot join another European club having already represented Liverpool and Aston Villa this season, making an American switch his only viable route to first-team football.
Brown explained that Elliott needs to be playing regularly to maintain his development and potential England prospects. “The lad has got to be playing football, and it’s become very clear that’s not going to happen at Aston Villa despite what he might have hoped when he joined,” Brown stated. He suggested a six-month MLS stint would allow Elliott to focus on impressing before reassessing his options in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly accelerating their pursuit of Guehi after learning of Manchester City’s interest in the England international. Transfer sources claim the Reds are looking to close a deal “right NOW” following reports that City are targeting the centre-back due to injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. Liverpool had previously agreed a £35 million fee for Guehi last summer, but Crystal Palace withdrew on deadline day after failing to secure a replacement.
The renewed urgency represents a shift from Liverpool’s initial plan to wait until summer when Guehi’s contract expires, allowing them to sign him on a free transfer. However, City’s emergence as competitors has forced Liverpool to reconsider their timeline, with the defender viewed as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
