Aston Villa have confirmed the loan signing of Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe. Tuanzebe is a very versatile player capable of playing at centre back, right back and as a holding midfielder. Current Villa centre back Tommy Elphick who is reportedly subject of interest from Leeds United could leave Villa as a result of this signing.
Elphick joined Villa last summer from Bournemouth but spent most of the season on the bench as Nathan Baker and James Chester started most games. This season has been more of the same for Elphick as Chester and John Terry have started most matches, with Chris Samba has taken his place on the bench . Elphick did, however, do a great job when stepping in for the injured Terry in recent games but he is back on the bench as the former Chelsea man is back to full fitness.
With the addition of Tuanzebe to the Villa squad, competition for places is even stiffer and this could see Elphick move on. Manager Steve Bruce said that his is not ‘actively looking to move him on’ but he does understand that Elphick is desperate for first team minutes. He also added “I’m mindful of the fact a good pro like Tommy wants to play, so we’ll see. ”
With local rivals Birmingham City reported to have been interested in the summer and Leeds interested now, Elphick could try and get a move for more regular first team minutes as apposed to warming the Villa Park bench for the remainder of the season.
Elphick might not be the only one swapping Villa Park for Elland Road with Leeds link with a double swoop for Elphick and Ross McCormack
Twitter: Leeds plot double raid on Aston Villa for Ross McCormack and Tommy Elphick https://t.co/UllkrKoHvK #LUFC #AVFC (@DailyStar_Sport)
