Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick is set to complete a loan move to Reading today (Monday) after they beat Leeds to his signature, according to Football Insider.
The football news site claim that the centre-back, 30, will undergo a medical at Villa’s Championship rivals and finalise terms on a deal that runs until the end of the season.
Football Insider report that Leeds and Hull have made late bids to sign Elphick as they search for an available centre-back proven in the second tier of English football.
It is said that Reading have won the race for the former Bournemouth player after moving quickly to try and sort out their defensive problems and stop their slide down the Championship table.
Elphick joined Villa from Bournemouth for £4million in the summer of 2016 as part of a mass overhaul following their Premier League relegation.
He was a regular in his debut campaign, making 26 Championship appearances, but he has made just six appearances in all competitions this season.
The recent loan arrival of Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has also increased competition for places in the Villa side and Steve Bruce is willing let Elphick move on.
Good move for Reading?
Elphick is a smart January acquisition for Reading, who will benefit from a battle-hardened centre-back with a point to prove as they look to avoid slipping down the relegation trap door. He has had to play second fiddle to John Terry, James Chester and Christopher Samba this season, although the Chelsea legend’s injury has opened the door for a return to the fray of late. With Terry now back fit, Villa have given the green light for Elphick to temporarily leave Villa Park in the coming days. Reading’s need for a central defender is obvious and he should slot straight into their starting XI.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
With a Reading medical booked in for today, according to Football Insider, who are an extremely reliable source of transfer news, expect an imminent announcement that a deal has been agreed.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10