Hull City are hopeful that Aston Villa won't recall defender Tommy Elphick from his season-long loan in January, despite having an option to do so, according to Hull Live.

Elphick played a couple of games for then-Villa boss Steve Bruce at the season's outset, but was loaned to the Tigers as the deadline approached without being replaced. The move left Villa desperately short of centre backs and ultimately cost Bruce his job.

Dean Smith is now in charge at Villa Park and could order the former Brighton man back to the Midlands for his own promotion push, but Hull City are confident that won't be the case.

Elphick has thrived at Hull, despite their lowly position and recently he spoke highly of Head Coach Nigel Adkins making a move for him.

“I’m really fortunate to have come to the club when I did, to be working with the manager. He’s exactly what I needed,” said Elphick.

“I had a long time not getting regular football, getting pulled from pillar to post a little bit. I was built up, used and then dropped again. It wasn’t a nice environment for me to be in. This was a chance and the gaffer had to take a chance on me. Hopefully I can repay him.”

The report also states that Villa's preference in the January window is at least one new central defender, not a move for the one they have out on loan.

The Verdict

Recalling Elphick would be a classic case of locking the stable door after the horse had bolted.

He should never have been sent out on loan, but now he has been the damage is done. Villa will be looking to target better players in January, leaving Hull free to keep a player who has established himself as a star on Humberside.

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