Harvey Elliott tipped for Newcastle transfer as Liverpool midfielder faces crucial Deadline Day

Harvey Elliott has been urged to consider a move to Newcastle United before the transfer deadline after being left out of Liverpool’s squad for their Premier League opener at St James’ Park.

The 23-year-old is back at Liverpool following a disastrous loan spell with Aston Villa and now faces a potentially defining few days over his future.

Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist believe Newcastle could provide Elliott with the opportunity he desperately needs after effectively losing an entire season of his development.

Last season could hardly have gone worse for Elliott.

Aston Villa signed him on loan in a deal containing a £35million obligation to buy if he made 10 Premier League appearances.

Villa ultimately decided they did not want to trigger that clause, restricting Elliott to just four league appearances.

He returned to Liverpool this summer and was given opportunities by new manager Andoni Iraola throughout pre-season.

However, Elliott was then left completely out of the squad for Sunday's 2-2 draw against Newcastle.

With his Liverpool contract entering its final year, speculation over a permanent departure is now increasing.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Stelling questioned whether Newcastle could provide an ideal destination.

“He must have been devastated at the weekend,” Stelling said when discussing Elliott's omission.

With only one year remaining on his contract, Stelling believes the midfielder could potentially be available for around £15-20m.

“Would he be out of place at Newcastle, somewhere like that?” he asked.

McCoist immediately responded: “No, I don't think he would.”

McCoist believes Elliott has qualities that would suit Newcastle as they continue rebuilding their squad following several major departures.

“He wouldn’t look out of place in that Newcastle side,” McCoist said.

He also stressed that regular football must now be Elliott's priority.

“The most important thing, and it’s massively important for Harvey Elliott this season, last season was a write-off. He can’t afford another one like that.”

That could make a departure from Liverpool increasingly attractive if Iraola cannot guarantee him meaningful minutes.

Iraola had previously made clear that Elliott would receive a chance to prove himself during pre-season.

The midfielder returned early and featured regularly during Liverpool's preparations, including matches against Sunderland, Wrexham, Leeds United, Monaco and Como.

He also registered an assist in the 4-2 victory over Sunderland.

But being excluded entirely for the Newcastle game raises fresh questions over where Elliott stands in Iraola's plans now competitive football has begun.

The final days of the transfer window could be crucial for Elliott.

Liverpool gave him opportunities throughout pre-season, but his opening-weekend omission suggests regular first-team football is far from guaranteed.

Newcastle have not been reported here as making an offer, so for now the move remains a suggestion from Stelling and McCoist rather than an active transfer negotiation.

But after effectively losing last season, Elliott may have one of the biggest decisions of his career to make before Deadline Day.

Would Harvey Elliott be a smart signing for Newcastle at around £15-20m?