Unai Emery says Aston Villa have been negotiating with Liverpool "for three months" over the terms of Harvey Elliott's loan, in an attempt to try and use the midfielder more extensively in the final stages of the season.

The England U21 international joined Villa on Deadline Day in September on a loan with an obligation to buy based on appearances made this season.

Elliott did not feature between October 2 and Villa's final Europa League league-phase match against RB Salzburg last month. He has now made a total of seven appearances for Villa.

A permanent deal is triggered on 10 appearances, including five in the second half of the season.

Emery accepts Villa have "damaged" Elliott by using him so sparingly but believes the player does deserve to feature more for his team as they continue to fight on three fronts this season.

"I spoke with him. We have been fair because there are two ways," said Emery.

"One way is sport, the second is business. We'll be fair in case, because we are trying it and I told him, I spoke a few times with Harvey.

Image: Elliott has been used just seven...