Aston Villa recalled Tommy Elphick from his loan at Hull City last month.
Nigel Adkins has told The Hull Daily Mail that Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick will be staying at Villa Park beyond January.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith recalled Elphick from his season-long loan at Hull City last month due to an injury crisis.
Smith has snapped up Wolves defender Kortney Hause on a half-season loan to quell his injury problems, with Axel Tuanzebe set for an extended absence due to a foot injury.
Hause’s move to Villa Park prompted speculation over whether Elphick could return to Hull for the second half of the Championship season.
But Tigers manager Adkins reveals to The Hull Daily Mail that although he reckons Smith will bring in another central defender, the 31-year-old won’t be leaving.
He said: “Tommy is going to stay at Aston Villa. I’m sure they’re going to bring in another centre-half but I’ve spoken with Deano and Tommy is going to stay there.”
Elphick, a £3 million signing in 2016, has started Aston Villa’s last two games – including the 3-0 demolition by Swansea in the FA Cup – and it’s a smart move by Smith to keep hold of him, if indeed he does.
With James Chester also carrying a knee problem, letting the former Bournemouth captain join Hull on another loan would be madness.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
