Villa on verge of securing Elphick swoop

Pete O'Rourke
Tommy Elphick: May be heading to Villa Park

Tommy Elphick: May be heading to Villa Park

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick with the player undergoing a medical at Villa Park, sources have told www.teamtalk.com.

New Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo has lined up a deal for Elphick as his first signing since taking charge of the club as they prepare for life in the Championship next season.

Elphick was entering the final year of his contract at Bournemouth and the club have reluctantly agreed to let the player leave after accepting Villa’s offer of £3million.

Bournemouth club captain Elphick made only 14 appearances for the Cherries last season after missing a chunk of the campaign with an ankle injury.

Elphick has helped Bournemouth win promotion from League One to the Premier League since joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2012.

Di Matteo has made defensive reinforcements one of his top priorities and he sees Elphick’s experience and leadership qualities as a key addition to his plans.