Former Leeds transfer target Tommy Elphick is reportedly available from Aston VIlla

While Leeds United seems to have resolved the Pontus Jansson situation, with the defender under contract and the dispute with Torino seemingly resolved, the fate of Kyle Bartley is still up in the air. Swansea City have stated that Bartley will stay at the Welsh club, although that could just be bluster, as the club’s Premier League season just ended with them in safety after spending a lot of the season in the drop zone and saw three different managers take charge of the club. While new boss Paul Clement tries to decide the fate of his players, Leeds might want to make plans that don’t involve Bartley.

Last summer, Leeds was reportedly interested in former AFC Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick before the central defender was sold to Aston Villa for £3 million. The defender appeared 26 times in the league for Villa last season, and doesn’t appear to be in the plans of new manager Steve Bruce as he played only a full 90’ once after February for the club.

While Elphick is 29 years old, and will turn 30 during the season, he is a reliable defender. He helped bring Bournemouth from League One into the Premier League and while his body may be slowing down as he ages, a veteran presence in the backline would be critically important for the club. And even if he isn’t an everyday starter, he has captained Bournemouth for their promotion push and having another leader of men in the dressing room would only help Garry Monk in his effort to get the team to the next level.

The Telegraph is reporting that Villa are looking to move on from a number of players this summer, with Steve Bruce looking to get £25 million in cash to fund a transfer spree to get the Villians back to the Premier League. Leeds should try to sign Elphick during the Villa fire sale and get the experienced defender for their own promotion push.