Birmingham City are reportedly keen on Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick.
Earlier this week, The Mirror reported that Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp is lining up a shock raid on city rivals Aston Villa to sign defender Tommy Elphick.
Villa had been searching for a new centre back earlier this summer as manager Steve Bruce pursued a partner for James Chester – and he landed one of the coups of the summer so far.
John Terry
Villa swooped to sign John Terry on a free transfer earlier this summer, with Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp admitting to BBC Sport that he missed out on a deal for the former England and Chelsea captain.
Whilst Birmingham may have missed out on Terry, the 36-year-old’s move to Villa Park may just aid Redknapp in his pursuit of Elphick.
Elphick, 29, joined Villa from Bournemouth last season, and arrived with a reputation as a leader having captained the Cherries to promotion from League One and then the Championship as well.
However, Elphick struggled at Villa last season, and started just 20 of Villa’s 46 league games, with many left disappointed by the centre back’s performances in claret and blue.
With Terry now signed as Villa’s new defensive leader, Elphick has been pushed further down the Villa pecking order, with Terry, Chester and even Nathan Baker ahead of him in Bruce’s plans.
Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick celebrates
That could all aid Redknapp’s pursuit of Elphick, as whilst Villa and Birmingham may not strike deals on a regular basis given their rivalry, a deal for Elphick could work out well for all parties.
Whilst Birmingham have snapped up Marc Roberts from Barnsley this summer, Redknapp may want to go with a five-man back line, and landing Elphick – a Championship veteran – alongside Roberts and Michael Morrison could boost the Blues back line.
Meanwhile, Villa could look to recoup some of the money they spent on Elphick just a year ago, freeing up funds for Bruce to spend elsewhere having landed Terry to solidify his defence.
Would you like to see Birmingham sign Elphick?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
