Dean Smith hints at Villa return for Mitch Clark and Tommy Elphick

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Aston Villa could look to bring Mitch Clark and Tommy Elphick back to the club in January.

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has told the Birmingham Mail that he is ‘aware’ of loaned out defenders Mitch Clark and Tommy Elphick as he hinted at returns for the duo.

Villa have been struggling defensively this season in terms of bodies, as there are a lack of centre backs at Smith’s disposal due to Steve Bruce’s business in the transfer window.

Bruce failed to bring in a star centre back to replace John Terry, whilst Christopher Samba was released, leaving James Chester and Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe to feature as the key defenders.

However, Villa did loan out two defenders over the summer, sending youngster Mitch Clark to League Two side Port Vale and veteran Tommy Elphick to Championship rivals Hull City.

Clark, 19, has come up through the Villa ranks, and has been a regular for Port Vale this season, with the teenager even attracting some interest ahead of January.

The Sunday Mirror (page 67, October 21, 2018) suggested that Newcastle United and West Ham United are both interested in signing Clark, who can play at right back or centre back, but only has one Villa appearance to his name.

Meanwhile, experienced centre back Elphick has been faring well with Hull, and it’s fair to say that adding a proven performer like Elphick back into the Villa ranks would at least bolster Smith’s options.

Now, Smith has admitted that Villa are keeping tabs on both players ahead of potentially recalling them in January, with both players told that they are still valued by the club – and have been watching the duo recently too.

“We’re aware of all the players out on loan,” said Smith. “Richard and JT have touched base with every player out on loan. Richard went to watch Mitch Clark last Saturday. He also went to watch Tommy play at Hull against Bristol City.”

“We’ve got a number of players out on loan and it’s quite prudent of us to make sure we’re in touch with them, and making sure they know they’re still valuable assets to the football club,” he added.