Birmingham City are leading the race to sign Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick this summer, according to the Birmingham Mail.

Harry Redknapp is keen to add Elphick to his Birmingham squad this summer to further strengthen his options in central defence.

Marc Roberts has already arrived from Barnsley, adding to Redknapp’s options that already include Michael Morrison and Ryan Shotton.

Birmingham’s hopes of signing Elphick will be boosted by his desire to leave Villa Park, after a difficult 12-months following his transfer from AFC Bournemouth last summer.

Following his £3m transfer from Dean Court, Elphick started last season as Villa’s first choice, but following Steve Bruce’s arrival in October, and particularly in 2017, the 29-year-old struggled for opportunities.

Nathan Baker and James Chester were preferred to Elphick, and Bruce has again moved to strengthen his central defence this summer, brining in two new faces.

Experienced duo, John Terry and Chris Samba, have been added to Villa’s squad, leaving them with five central defenders on the books – six if you include the forgotten Micah Richards.

During his short time at Villa Park, Elphick has made 26 appearances, with 20 of those coming from the start and six as a substitute.

Birmingham fans… Would you like to see Elphick at your club next season? Do you think Villa would be willing to sell to their direct rivals? Let us know your thoughts!