---
title: "Di Matteo closes in on his first signing"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2016/06/15/di-matteo-closes-first-signing/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Lynch"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2016-06-15T11:53:46Z"
modified: "2016-06-15T11:53:46Z"
---

# Di Matteo closes in on his first signing

Aston Villa are closing in on their first signing under the new regime with Bournemouth centre-back Tommy Elphick expected to complete a move to the Midlands side by the end of the week.

Pat Murphy of the BBC reports that a deal is in its final stages worth £3-million with personal terms being discussed and completion to be done by the end of the week.

> Twitter: Tommy Elphick close to signing for @AVFCOfficial before end of week for around £3m. Personal terms being discussed with the central defender (@patmurphybbc)

The signing of the centre-back will be welcome news to Aston Villa fans as they witnessed their side concede on 76 occasions in the Premier League.

Roberto Di Matteo was appointed as Villa manager last month and new owner Tony Xia had his takeover confirmed only yesterday so it is clear that the Villans are acting quickly as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Tommy Elphick is Bournemouth’s captain and been a mainstay in the Cherries side since 2012 in League One. He spent the majority of last season injured limiting him to only 12 Premier League games.