Aston Villa forgotten trio could be brought in from the cold

Elphick and midfield duo Aaron Tshibola and Gary Gardner could all find themselves back in the fold as boss Steve Bruce plans for the club’s third season in the Championship.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Reading, a move the Royals were keen to make permanent.

But Elphick would be happy to remain at Villa if he receives assurances he is part of Bruce’s plans for the campaign.

The manager is facing up to a defensive rebuild after the departure of skipper John Terry, following Villa’s failure to win promotion. Elphick made only three Championship starts last term, but featured in a vital December win at Middlesbrough when Bruce was under threat of the sack.

The former Bournemouth captain has also impressed the boss with his attitude and dedication, despite the lack of playing time. Tshibola and Gardner, who finished the past term on loan at Kilmarnock and Nottingham Forest respectively, are in a similar position.

Villa’s financial position remains precarious. Fan hopes of fresh investment were raised yesterday when documents on Companies House revealed the creation of nearly 70 million shares in the club’s parent company, the Recon Group.

But the Express & Star understands the documents, dated May 25, refer to the recapitalisation of existing debt and do not represent new money coming into the club.

Owner Tony Xia, who is battling a cash crisis, is considering offers from several interested parties, with a decision expected in the next week.