Liverpool starlet headed for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace could pull of a major coup should a deal for Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott be completed, as the Eagles have reportedly matched the £45 million pricetag for Elliott. Liverpool are ready to sell after interest from numerous clubs, and Elliott is looking for regular first-team football.

The likely sales of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and possibly Jean-Philippe Mateta means that Palace will have money to spend, and Elliott is the primary target. The Guardian’s gossip column links Palace to Elliott and even floats the idea of Guehi moving the other way, while Sky Sports' paper round-up also notes Palace are eyeing Elliott.

From Palace’s perspective, Elliott ticks a lot of boxes: homegrown, press-resistant, comfortable between the lines, and capable of playing as a right-sided creator or central No.10 in Oliver Glasner’s high-tempo setup. Reports suggest Liverpool would look for a fee in the region of £40 million, and a Guehi-linked structure has been mooted to help bridge valuations, both points that would make the deal more workable for Palace if they need to refresh the attack quickly. Meanwhile, Elliott’s stock is high after a strong summer with England U21s, where he was named Player of the Tournament, which helps explain why Palace see him as an immediate-impact signing.

A deal would likely be agreed some time next week, giving Elliott an opportunity elsewhere in the Premier League.