First Signing?
As most Aston Villa supporters would have read this week, Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo is allegedly in advance talks with Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick. The BBC reported that Elphick was indeed discussing personal terms with Villa, with the fee of around £3 million already accepted, despite the Cherries desire to keep the defender.
According to the media up north though, it’s suggested that Leeds United haven’t quite given up hope yet. The South Yorkshire Post confirmed Leeds are also interested in Elphick, with new boss Gary Monk no doubt seeing a little of himself in Elphick, who captained the Cherries to two quick-fire promotions, something Monk was no stranger to during his time as captain of Swansea.
Elphick is in the market as apparently he’s not happy with the new contract the Cherries have offered him. Having made only 12 league appearances last season, due to injury, there’s a chance that Bournemouth maybe got a little too used to being without him.
Hopefully, the centre-back isn’t simply using Villa or Leeds (and earlier interest from Cardiff City) to bluff his current club into giving him better terms.
Tommy Elphick Destiny
With Monk in charge and with the Leeds board’s pledge to rebate season ticket holders, if the club don’t at least make the play-offs, it seems the Yorkshire club are fired-up for next season, but surely there’s only one winner in the chase for Elphick’s signature, if it came down to Villa vs Leeds?
No disrespect to Leeds, but with Villa’s new owner and management team, they certainly seem the more likely of the two to provide the Bournemouth player with the quickest route back to the Premier League.
Villa’s interest in the 28-year-old Brighton youth product is also a clear indication that Di Matteo realises the most important steps in rebuilding the Villa team is to sort out the much-maligned back line and instil some fight into the team. Leadership in key positions is also a priority, a box that Elphick certainly also ticks.
If the Villa interest is strong, then you’d expect it to be wrapped up next week.
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Keep the faith, no need for so much negativity.
What? Leeds also wanting the player is ‘negative’?
There’s only one thing against Leeds in their tussle with Villa. Their owner. Gary Monk will not make it through Christmas and Leeds will once again spend another season in the Championship.