Reading to sign Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick on permanent deal?

Reading have reportedly registered an interest in completing in signing Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at the Madejski Stadium but just four outings were made in the Championship due to injury.

However, according to the Reading Chronicle, the Royals are keen to secure a permanent deal for the centre-back ahead of the next campaign.

Reading have the option of pushing through a transfer, and Villa are likely to be happy to get the player off the wage bill due to the West Midlands outfit needing to cut costs.

In 2016, Villa paid £3m to sign Elphick from Bournemouth but just 32 appearances have been made in all competitions.