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.
