According to the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa’s clear out is set to continue, with Tommy Elphick, Gary Gardner and Ross McCormack all heading for the exit door.

After a busy start to the summer saw a host of new faces arrive at Villa Park, Steve Bruce has now set about trimming his squad, as Villa look to balance their books between now and the end of the transfer window.

Leandro Bacuna has just sealed his move away from Aston Villa, linking up with Sky Bet Championship rivals, Reading.

The versatile midfielder is now set to be followed out of Villa Park by Elphick, Gardner and McCormack, who do not feature in Bruce’s plans.

The trio are yet to feature in a matchday squad this season, missing out on both Championship fixtures and Villa’s Carabao Cup tie with Colchester United.

Birmingham City are reportedly interested in signing Elphick, who has been at Villa Park for just over a year, but failed to make an impression, with Chris Samba, John Terry and James Chester all ahead of the defender in the pecking order.

Gardner and McCormack also have players ahead of them in their respective positions, with the duo failing to break into Bruce’s plans for the new season.

Recent reports have suggested that Barnsley are interested in Gardner, whilst Leeds United have enquired about McCormack.

The Verdict

This latest update is no surprise, with it common knowledge that the trio do not feature in Bruce’s plans for the 2017/18 campaign.

So far, Bruce’s business has been good on paper, with his Villa squad looking stronger than it did towards the end of last season.

However, one-point from their opening two fixtures will worry Bruce, who will be hoping to tinker with his squad between now and the end of the summer, which will only be possible if there are some more departures.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!