It’s being reported today that Reading are edging nearer to a permanent move for Aston Villa centre-half Tommy Elphick.
The 30-year-old was out on loan at the Madejski Stadium in the second half of 2017/18 but he was limited to only four appearances – two starts and two substitute showings – following a knee injury that he sustained in their game against Millwall in early February. That ruled him out for the vast majority of their games this year.
It appears, however, according to a report in the Reading Chronicle that their new gaffer Paul Clement has seen enough of him to want him back permanently next season.
I wasn’t aware – or I’ve forgotten – of the buy-clause that’s said to be included in the deal and there are no reports of any potential pre-agreed fee but if we do let him go to further ease Financial Fair Play issues, we will certainly be looking to recoup the £3million we paid Bournemouth originally.
It should be noted the report leans on ‘competition’ from Chris Samba and James Chester as affecting his chances of regular football with us, but as fans know, Samba is soon to be out of contract and we’ve already lost John Terry so numbers in the backline are thinning.
Think we need to keep Elphick now tbh
— Kev Wilson (@luckysalt) May 31, 2018
We need him!! Ffs
— driveitpaddy (@driveitpaddy83) May 31, 2018
Well, he could've been our new CB, reliable championship defender but we've bunked him off because we were so confident off promotion 🙁
— Jack Mansell (@jaccavfc) May 31, 2018
Samba had a year deal no way will that be renewed we are down to Chester and Richards at CB
— David Nabarro (@Nabby81) May 31, 2018
How much? Would have been handy as 3rd choice
— Chris Arvanitakis (@taki670) May 31, 2018
Think we should be keeping him. Esp after knowing where we are playing next season
— Kieran (@Pseudo_Kieran) May 31, 2018
He’s needed unless we are going to blood Sulliman ?
— Julian Jones (@juleslolo) May 31, 2018
