New Aston Villa transfer chief is finally cleared to begin role - nearly two months after replacing Monchi - with uncertainty surrounding Harvey Elliott's future

Aston Villa transfer chief Roberto Olabe has been cleared to begin his new role with the Premier League club after receiving a work permit.

The Spaniard was appointed nearly two months ago to replace Monchi as 'president of football operations' but was unable officially to take his position as he waited for clearance.

Yet Daily Mail Sport understands this has now been granted, meaning Olabe is in place in time for the January transfer window.

How much room for manoeuvre Villa will have this winter is unclear. The club were working within strict financial limits during the summer, which meant they were able to pay transfer fees for only two players – goalkeeper Marco Bizot and attacker Evann Guessand.

Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof arrived on a free transfer, and Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott arrived on loan. 

Both Liverpool and Villa are exploring possible solutions for Elliott, who has started only twice in all competitions and has not featured at all since October 2. 

The 22-year-old could return to Anfield even though, under FIFA rules, he would not be permitted to play for another club this term as he has already represented both Villa and Liverpool.

While Sancho has been included more often than Elliott, the on-loan Manchester United attacker has still yet to start a Premier League game and has made only four substitute appearances. 

There have been suggestions that clubs in Turkey would be interested in taking Sancho in January yet it is unclear whether the terms of his loan agreement would allow.