Leeds United wanted to sign out-of-favour centre-back Tommy Elphick from fellow Championship giants Aston Villa during the summer transfer window.
With the January transfer window soon to open, Aston Villa fans would be forgiven for thinking that Tommy Elphick would be unlikely to stick around as the cash-strapped Championship giants aim to raise funds for new signings.
But with experienced centre-halves John Terry and Chris Samba both out with injury, forcing Mile Jedinak into defence once again, it appears that Elphick may have a part to play at Villa Park after all.
“Tommy is part and parcel of it. With the injuries we have got, it might open the door for him,” Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce told the Birmingham Mail of the former Bournemouth skipper, who has been out of the side since being sent off in an EFL Cup defeat to Middlesbrough in September.
But with a hectic festive fixture schedule on the horizon, Villa have four games to play before January 1st, Bruce’s hand may be forced and Elphick could return to contention.
Therefore, his chances of staying at Villa long-term could rest on the next few weeks. The report adds that a move away from the Midlands is still a possibility in January but, if Elphick impresses between now and the turn of the year, why would Bruce look to sell him?
According to the Birmingham Mail, Leeds United were interested in Elphick over the summer and Thomas Christiansen’s side could still do with one more centre-back.
Pontus Jansson has found his form again after a shaky start, but there’s a lack of depth at the back, especially with Everton loanee Matthew Pennington struggling with both fitness and form in the last few months.
An experienced Championship defender like Elphick may be welcomed at Elland Road then – but Leeds’ hopes of reviving a deal could be over if he seizes his chance to impress over the Christmas period.
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