Aston Villa sign former Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick

Tommy Elphick of Bournemouth controls the ball during the friendly match between 1899 Hoffenheim and AFC Bournemouth at Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena on August 1, 2015 in Sinsheim, Germany.
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Former Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick, 28, becomes Roberto di Matteo's first signing at newly-relegated Championship side Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have made their first signing of the close season by clinching the signature of former Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick.

The 28-year-old central defender moves to the West Midlands club, which suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, for a reported £3m fee.

Elphick, who becomes new Villa boss Roberto di Matteo's first recruit, captained the Cherries to promotion from the Championship in 2015, having led them up from League One two years earlier.

However, he made just 14 appearances during the south coast club's first season in the top flight because of an ankle injury.

Jordan Veretout of Aston Villa in action during the Capital One Cup second round match between Aston Villa and Notts County at Villa Park on August 25, 2015
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