Hull City could yet make a move for Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick on a permanent basis this summer. 

The Villa defender moved to the KCom on loan last season but was recalled in January as manager Dean Smith sought reinforcements in his Villa backline after a raft of injuries at Villa Park.

However, with the former Bournemouth man picking up an injury which ended his season and his contract expiring this summer, it remains to be seen whether Smith will offer Elphick a new deal to remain the books in the Midlands.

And according to the Birmingham Mail, this has got Hull and manager Nigel Adkins on high alert, as they consider making a move for the experienced centre half in the summer.

Villa could well be waiting to see the outcome of their play-off final with Derby before deciding on the future of Elphick, who was actually putting in some decent showings for Dean Smith's men before injury curtailed his progress with the club.

The defender has struggled for form and fitness since sealing a big money move to the club a few seasons back, and if Villa do indeed go up and manage to sign Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause on permanent contracts, then Elphick might well need to see himself out of the door.

The Verdict

Elphick doesn't really have a future at Villa Parkd does he, let's be honest.

Villa will be looking to pastures new regardless of promotion you would think, so a move to Hull would be a good one for Elphick.

He's still a decent defender at this level, and he could do a fine job for Nigel Adkins' men if given the chance again.