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Opinion: Dean Smith could offer Aston Villa man a new contract

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Image for Opinion: Dean Smith could offer Aston Villa man a new contract

Tommy Elphick has an uncertain future at Aston Villa with his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. The 31-year-old has become a regular in the first-team since his recall from loan at Hull City, but he could be on his way out of Villa Park when the campaign comes to a close unless Dean Smith extends his deal.

He’s not dwelling on the situation, however, telling the Guardian in a recent interview: “We sat down and had a chat as a group, after the transfer window had closed, to say: ‘This is us now.’ Regardless of what situation you are in at the club, whether you have six months left on your contract or three years, we all realise that if we’re winning games and looking towards the top six then it is better for everyone.”

Elphick signed on for three-years from Bournemouth in 2016 and has gone on to make 41 appearances in all competitions. He struggled for form in his debut campaign at Villa and was loaned out to Reading (January 29, 2018 – May 31, 2018) in his second season before temporarily joining Hull City (August 31, 2018 – December 29, 2018) in his third campaign.

His form with Hull was so good that Smith wanted him back to solve Villa’s defensive crisis at the time and he’s remained a regular ever since, making five consecutive Championship appearances. The Midlands outfit have Axel Tuanzebe, James Chester, Kortney Hause, Elphick and Tyrone Mings, but Tuanzebe, Hause and Mings will return to their parent clubs after their respective loans.

Hause can be signed on a permanent deal, but Smith could be short on options ahead of the 2019/20 season which could see Elphick staying for another year. He’s been in fine form and has a wealth of experience to bring to the squad, so he’s worth keeping in defence.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article

No goal since December, one assist since August – Aston Villa man is out-of-form

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