Defender Tommy Elphick could be on the verge of ending his Aston Villa nightmare, as he is in talks with Turkish side Goztepe over a possible move according to reports in Turkey (via The Birmingham Mail).

The 29-year-old only moved to Villa Park last summer following a four-year spell at Premier League side Bournemouth, for whom he played 145 matches and helped to secure promotion from League One back in 2013, and then from the second tier just two years later.

However, things haven’t worked out for the centre-back at Steve Bruce’s Villa, with Elphick mustering just 27 appearances for the club last season, many of which came under the stewardship of former boss Roberto Di Matteo.

And with no appearance in any of Villa’s five matchday league squads this time round, Elphick’s future appears to be away from Villa Park, and speculation was building over the summer that he could be on his way out of the club, with bitter rivals Birmingham City reportedly interested.

And although the English deadline passed and he remained at the club, he may well be ending his Villa nightmare after all as recent reports suggest that Turkish side Goztepe are in talks with the defender over a move to the top-flight side.

They won promotion to the Turkish Super Lig last time out by winning the second division play-offs, and as with any side going up a division, reinforcements are vital in their quest to stay there come the end of the campaign.

Goztepe have made a solid start to the season with four points from their opening three games, yet clearly feel that Elphick can help solidify their backline for the rest of the campaign and beyond.

The Verdict: It just hasn’t worked out for Tommy Elphick at Aston Villa, and the arrival of Chris Samba and John Terry over the summer pushed him even further down the pecking order at Villa Park.

And the 29-year-old must have feared the worst when the English deadline passed with him remaining at the club, although he may be about to get a lifeline as Turkish side Goztepe are interested in ending his Villa nightmare.

However, the Turkish window closes today so time is of the essence in a move which would appear to benefit all parties involved.

Villa fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!