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Sunderland have seen an approach for Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick knocked back, according to Sky Sports News HQ.

The Black Cats are keen to make additions to their squad before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday night; Sunderland will only be able to dip into the pool of free agent players if they wish to make further signings before January.











Simon Grayson's men made an approach to Aston Villa, asking their fellow Championship club if Elphick could be sent on loan to the Stadium of Light.

But Aston Villa told Sunderland that Elphick will not be leaving Villa Park this summer.



Villa snapped up the experienced centre-back just last summer and he signed a deal running until June 2019.

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He has yet to make a league appearance for Steve Bruce's side this season, but did clock up all 90 minutes in a 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic in the EFL Cup.

And it appears the former Brighton and Bournemouth player remains in Bruce's plans, meaning Sunderland will have to look elsewhere.