Aston Villa transfer news: Tommy Elphick and Aaron Tshibola set for loan moves

Elphick is closing in on a switch to Championship rivals Reading, while Tshibola is expected to join Scottish Premier League outfit Kilmarnock.

Villa boss Steve Bruce confirmed Elphick’s switch to the Royals will include the option of the deal being made permanent in the summer.

The 30-year-old joined the club in a £3million move from Bournemouth in the summer of 2016 and began last season as captain.

But he has struggled for playing time under Bruce and been limited to just two league appearances this season.

Elphick remains highly regarded by the manager but after last week’s arrival of Axel Tuanzebe on loan, Bruce felt it was only right to allow the centre-back out to get playing time.

“I thought it was right. I can’t give him what he wants, which is regular first-team football,” said Bruce.

“With the emergence of Easah Suliman, with Axel Tuanzebe walking through the door, it gives me the opportunity to let him go and play.”

Tshibola, another player who has struggled to make an impact since joining in the same summer as Elphick, is meanwhile set to move north of the border.

The 23-year-old has not played for Villa since January last year and has had previous loan spells at Nottingham Forest and MK Dons.

He will link-up with former Villa assistant Steve Clarke at Kilmarnock.