Express & Star

Villa close in on Tommy Elphick signing

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New manager Roberto Di Matteo has admitted he faces a big rebuilding job at Villa - as he closes in on his first signing.moreVilla are understood to be discussing terms with Bournemouth defender and captain Tommy Elphick ahead of a £3million move, which could be completed by the end of the week.

Di Matteo believes it will be vital to have a united squad as he looks to take Villa back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

He said: "We need to turn a team that has struggled into a strong competitive team. All aspects need to be looked at.

"What I believe is that we need a united group, people who are willing to fight for the club in the Championship.

"They need to put their services into the good of the team, for the good of the team. It will be a big job but, with the right personnel, we can do well.

"It is an exciting project, a new start, new ownership and management. We will take it from there and try and do everything we can within reason to help us and guide us.

"The objective is to get promotion this year, it will take time to sort the team out and we want results yesterday instead of today. I will put out a competitive side to try and do that."

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