Leeds United have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick.
Earlier this week, the Birmingham Mail claimed that Leeds United are interested in signing Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick – a year since their initial pursuit.
The Whites tied up a deal for Everton defender Matthew Pennington on Wednesday, but with Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper the only other recognised centre backs at the club, manager Thomas Christiansen could still look for another defensive option.
Tommy Elphick of Aston Villa before the game
Pennington’s lack of Championship experience may lead him to consider a veteran, and whilst Elphick certainly fits that bill, Leeds should not be making a move for the Aston Villa flop this summer.
Elphick has promotions from League One and the Championship as Bournemouth captain to his name, and he looked to be the ideal leader for a promotion-chasing Championship team last summer.
In fact, the Yorkshire Evening Post reported that ex-Leeds boss Garry Monk wanted to sign Elphick last summer, before Villa won the race – which they may wish they had lost, with the benefit of hindsight.
The 29-year-old failed to impress with Villa, starting just 20 Championship games for the club, and Villa boss Steve Bruce has moved to replace him by landing two experienced centre backs in John Terry and Christopher Samba.
Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick celebrates
Elphick’s days at Villa Park are numbered, but his displays last season suggested that injuries have taken their toll on him, as he looked slow and ponderous rather than strong and dominant.
Elphick could still turn it around and bounce back with a strong campaign next season, but Leeds shouldn’t be looking to gamble on that right now, and should leave other clubs to scrap over Elphick whilst looking for players who enjoyed more success over the last two seasons.
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