Monday 20 June 2016 17:58, UK
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick on a three-year deal.
Sky Sports News HQ reported last week that the newly relegated Championship club had a £3m bid for the defender accepted.
He becomes the first signing under new manager Roberto Di Matteo, after the Italian was officially unveiled last Wednesday as the first boss under new Chinese ownership.
Di Matteo said: "I'm really pleased to bring Tommy to the football club. He is a fantastic player and also a fantastic character which is very important.
"He knows what is required to win promotion to the Premier League from the Championship and that experience will be invaluable."
Elphick flew into the Midlands from his honeymoon in Italy following the completion of talks between his agent and the new Villa hierarchy.
A string of other Championship clubs were also understood to have been interested in the 28-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Brighton in 2012.
The centre-back led the Cherries to promotion from both League One in 2013 and the Championship in 2015.
Elphick made 145 appearances for Bournemouth across three divisions and cup competitions, including 12 in the Premier League last term. He also scored five goals for the club.
