According to the Birmingham Mail, Tommy Elphick is considering his future at Aston Villa, after enduring a difficult first season at Villa Park, which saw his opportunities limited.

Elphick was signed by Roberto Di Matteo last summer, and was viewed as the potential lynchpin in Villa’s defence that would lead them to promotion in the Sky Bet Championship, when he signed a three-year deal at Villa Park.

However, after a difficult start to the campaign, Di Matteo was replaced by Steve Bruce as Villa’s manager, and Elphick’s opportunities became limited from there.

Elphick was made Villa captain at the start of the 2016/17 campaign, but upon his arrival, Bruce handed the role to James Chester, who formed a formidable partnership with Nathan Baker in the heart of defence.

Chester and Baker featured predominantly under Bruce, with Elphick limited to just 26 appearances across all competitions last season.

The 29-year old has previously shown his quality in the Championship, having led AFC Bournemouth to the Premier League during the 2014/15 campaign, before helping the Cherries establish themselves in the top-flight the following season.

Despite Elphick still being at Villa, Bruce is reportedly looking to sign another central defender this summer, as he begins to shape a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.

Villa fans… Do you think Elphick will leave Villa Park this summer? Let us know your thoughts!