Aston Villa: Squad locked, departure expected – Tony Xia

In another emoji-laden tweet, Aston Villa owner Dr. Tony Xia expressed an imminent departure. In addition, seemingly no more players will arrive before the close of the summer transfer window.

Take your picks and make your bets, one of Gary Gardner, Ross McCormack, or Tommy Elphick is on the move soon.

All three are expected to move before the deadline closes in a few days’ time. The means of which, are currently unknown. McCormack most likely via loan whilst the other two have a better chance at striking permanent deals.

At least, that is according to Villa owner Dr. Tony Xia, who had this cryptic tweet to say:

The arrival of Robert Snodgrass all but confirmed Aston Villa was done buying. Even then, Financial Fair Play would make potential arrivals (non-loan) more difficult with increasing restrictions. Villa runs at least two deep in every position with talented youth players itching for more match time.

There is a case to be made that Tommy Elphick should be kept.

Chris Samba and John Terry are up 33 and 36, respectively. Moreover, Kevin Toner moved on-loan to Stevenage for the entirety of the year, leaving Ritchie De Laet and Mile Jedinak in central defense reserve. Both, however, are better utilized in other positions.

Steve Bruce see it the other way, though. Elphick played the full ninety minutes against Wigan last week and succeeded. In a cameo appearance, Elphick hopefully caught the eyes of potential Championship suitors.

Birmingham City is said to long have interest, but it remains to be seen whether Harry Redknapp needs another central defender. Paul Robinson, Ryan Shotton, and Marc Roberts currently occupy the first three slots.