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Birmingham City have moved into pole position to sign Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick, the Birmingham Mail understands.

Harry Redknapp has chased the defender all summer and is hoping to agree a deal for the 29-year-old with Blues' Second City rivals.

Sources close to Redknapp say the Blues boss is convinced that Elphick wants to join them having settled in the area following his move to Villa last summer.

Elphick, who began last season as captain of Villa, is available for transfer this summer having fallen out of favour under Steve Bruce.

Redknapp has already added goalkeeper David Stockdale, central defender Marc Roberts and midfielder Cheikh Ndoye to his ranks and is keen to make Elphick his fourth signing.

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Elphick captained Bournemouth to promotion from the Championship in 2015, earning the supporters’ player of the year gong in the process.

Bruce could use the money freed up by Elphick’s departure to offer Chris Samba a contract. The Congolese defender has been training with the club since February and has made a big impression on the first team squad.

Elphick has two years remaining on his contract at Villa Park.