Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick should choose Leeds over Birmingham City.
Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick could have a decision to make between joining Birmingham City and Leeds United.
The centre-back is set to be surplus to requirements at Villa and The Birmingham Mail have reported that the two Championship clubs are showing interest.
Elphick disappointed at Villa last season after signing from Bournemouth and at his next club he will be determined to prove a point.
Joining Leeds over Birmingham could be a smarter choice for the 29-year-old.
Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick celebrates
Moving from Villa to Birmingham would make Elphick an instant hate figure for fans that were happy to have him on board this time last year.
The decision would not only make matter more complicated from a football perspective, but also could put a strain on him personally.
Leeds would be a completely clean break, living in a new city, one where he would not get aggravation from rival fans.
Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick receives treatment
For the first time in years, the current Leeds regime has the potential of a long term feel about it, under new owner Andrea Radrizzani.
Players are being signed on four-year contracts and the best young talents are being offered extensions, something which did not happen under Massimo Cellino, who sacked managers regularly.
Harry Redknapp at Birmingham would be key in persuading Elphick to join, but the veteran manager is hardly at the Blues for the long haul, with the 70-year-old penning a one year deal back in May.
Leeds offer a longer term plan, and without the aggravation of moving between rivals.
With the Whites still looking for a player capable of being Pontus Jansson’s partner in defence, Elphick could be ideal.
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