Leeds should consider Tommy Elphick who could be allowed to leave Aston Villa.
Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick celebrates
Leeds United face a tough battle to re-sign Kyle Bartley but could be set for a boost due to the fact last season’s summer target Tommy Elphick appears to be available.
The Telegraph report Villa boss Steve Bruce wants to sell Tommy Elphick, with the club needing to raise funds in order to spend to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Last June the Yorkshire Evening Post reported Leeds were keen to sign Elphick from Premier League side Bournemouth.
Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick with a head injury
Villa paid £3 million to sign the centre-back, who was expected to become a lynchpin of their defence.
It didn’t quite work out for Elphick at Villa in an unstable season at Villa Park, with Steve Bruce coming in with different ideas to previous boss Roberto di Matteo.
Elphick, 29, has plenty more to offer and has already achieved promotion once, playing 46 games with Bournemouth in 2014/15.
Bournemouth’s Tommy Elphick celebrates with chairman Jeff Mostyn at the end of the match
Last season he played 26 times, 20 of which were starts, and could be an ideal option for Leeds if Swansea City stay resolute and stick to their guns to keep Kyle Bartley.
Leeds’ interest is already established in the defender, who could help re-align a solid partnership alongside Pontus Jansson, while also playing with former Cherries teammate Eunan O’Kane.
Having captained both Bournemouth and Villa, Elphick’s leadership qualities would not go amiss at Leeds United.
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