Championship strugglers Reading have announced that centre-half Tommy Elphick has joined the club on loan until the end of the season from divisional rivals Aston Villa. 

30-year-old Elphick's squad number has already been confirmed - he will wear the number 3 shirt during his time at the Madejski Stadium - and the former Bournemouth man could feature tomorrow night against basement club Burton Albion.

Elphick comes in to boost the Royals' survival bid with a wealth of Championship experience behind him; he has made 115 appearances in the second tier, for Villa as well as former clubs Brighton and Hove Albion and Bournemouth.

He also has 12 Premier League appearances to his name for Bournemouth, where he was captain before he decided to leave the club to join Aston Villa following the club's first season in the top flight.

The Verdict

It is a very solid signing for Reading. They need to solidify their defence and get themselves as far away from the relegation zone as possible.

Elphick brings so much experience and if he is fit and match sharp, he should be able to come in and make an instant impact.

Reading fans - what do you make of the signing of Elphick? Let us know in the comments below...

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