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Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick poised to join Aston Villa - sources

Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick is poised to join Aston Villa after undergoing a medical at Villa Park, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo has targeted Elphick as his first signing since taking charge at Villa as he looks to reshape the squad he has inherited at Villa Park.

Elphick boasts a wealth of Championship experience from his time at Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, helping Bournemouh win promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago.

The 28-year-old made just 14 appearances for Bournemouth last season due to injury and with Bournemouth looking to add to their defensive options this summer he may have found first-team opportunities limited next season.

Villa agreed a £3 million fee with Bournemouth last week for Elphick and the central defender has cut short his honeymoon to hold talks and undergo a medical at Villa Park.

If all goes to plan Elphick is set to finalise his move to Villa Park in the next 24 hours as the club plan for life in the Championship next season.