Leeds plot move to sign £3m centre-back after his position becomes clear – report
By Harry Sykes
Leeds United are plotting a move to sign Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick, according to a report.
The Mirror claim on their live transfer blog (Tuesday, 8.02pm) that Sunderland lead the race to land Elphick this summer ahead of Leeds and Birmingham City.
But Thomas Christiansen’s team remain in the race for the former Villa captain as they continue their search for a new centre-back.
Elphick, 29, captained Bournemouth to promotion from League One and the Championship but has slipped down the pecking order following the arrivals of John Terry and Christopher Samba.
The former Brighton man struggled in the Midlands following his £3million transfer 12 months ago, starting just 20 league games last season, and his position in the pecking order has now become clear after he was omitted from Villa’s pre-season squad.
Football Insider verdict:
Elphick would be perfect for Leeds. Experienced, commanding and proven in the Championship, he would be an ideal replacement for Kyle Bartley. He might not have cut it at Villa – they have showed their patience is running out by throwing big money at Terry and Samba – but the former Bournemouth player would represent an upgrade on both Liam Cooper and loanee Matthew Pennington. Leeds desperately need a fourth centre-back and should make a big push to sign the Villa man ahead of any other targets.
In other Leeds transfer news, the club have agreed the terms of a stunning £7million deal.
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