Confirmed: Aston Villa agree deal for Premier League ace after paperwork finalised
Transfers

Confirmed: Aston Villa agree deal for Premier League ace after paperwork finalised

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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By Tom Blackburn 

Tommy Elphick has joined Aston Villa after completing a transfer from Bournemouth, it was confirmed on Monday night.

The Midlands giants have won the race to sign the defender after having a £3million offer accepted last week for the 28-year-old former Cherries captain.

Villa announced on their official Twitter account on Monday evening that Elphick had signed a three-year contract to become the first signing of new manager Roberto Di Matteo.

It was reported on Monday that Elphick had cut short his honeymoon in Italy to return to England and undergo a medical at Villa Park.

It is a boost for Di Matteo to have clinched the signing of the experienced centre-back after Championship rivals Leeds tried to hijack their move.

Bournemouth reportedly offered Elphick an extension to his existing deal at Vitality Stadium but the length of the new contract was a sticking point for the player.

Elphick was an apprentice at Brighton and made his debut for them in 2005 before joining the Cherries in 2012.

He was hampered by an ankle injury in the recently completed domestic season and made only 14 appearances for the Premier League side.

Elphick captained Bournemouth to two promotions - from League One to the Premier League - in the space of three seasons.

In other Aston Villa news, Di Matteo is lining up a swoop for a Premier League ace as he steps up his rebuild of the relegated club.

Aston Villa
Leeds United
Tommy Elphick
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