Harvey Elliott is reportedly on the verge of leaving Liverpool, less than a week after being left out of the matchday squad against Newcastle.
Elliott, somewhat of a forgotten man at Liverpool after enduring a nightmare of a loan spell with Aston Villa last season, returned to his parent club in the summer with his future up in the air.
Iraola explains squad decision
Despite featuring for new head coach Andoni Iraola in pre-season, the attacking midfielder was not named in the 20-man matchday squad for the 2-2 draw at St James' Park in Liverpool's opening game of the Premier League campaign.
With youngsters Lewis Koumas and James McConnell selected ahead of Elliott, the writing was effectively on the wall regarding his future.
“With Harvey, with [Luke] Chambers, with some of the players that I decided – because I can only choose 20 – to leave out, it's a matter of finding the balance on the bench,” Iraola told reporters ahead of the Nottingham Forest game.
“In Harvey's case, he's trying, he's improving every week, but I still prefer other options.
“Probably I was in doubt with James McConnell in terms of getting into the squad, and I decided to put James in the squad.
“But it's another new week, new chances for everyone, and they have to keep that mentality.”
Valencia negotiations underway
It has widely been reported that Elliott has agreed personal terms with Valencia following positive talks, though it remains to be seen if it will be another loan spell or a permanent transfer.
The latter option does seem likely as the 23-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Valencia have started negotiations with Liverpool in the hope of reaching a club-to-club agreement.
Elliott fell down the pecking order at Liverpool following the arrival of Florian Wirtz last summer and any hopes of playing out wide have been dashed with Bradley Barcola on the way.
