CHERRIES captain Tommy Elphick remains a transfer target for Championship newcomers Aston Villa, according to reports.
The 28-year-old centre-half, ever present when Eddie Howe's men won the Football League a year ago, suffered an injury-blighted first season in the Premier League.
Simon Francis, traditionally a full-back, formed a strong bond with Elphick's long-term defensive partner Steve Cook in his absence and with 12 months left on Elphick's Vitality Stadium deal, speculation over his future continues to surface.
It is considered likely the ex-Brighton linchpin is in talks with his current club but that Villa are waiting in the wings to pounce as they look to overhaul a squad that plummeted through the top-flight's trapdoor last season.
The most recent reports suggest Cherries do not want to sell a player who has been a constant presence in guiding the club from the League One relegation zone to the Premier League under Howe.
Leeds United are also rumoured to be monitoring the situation on the back of Villa's interest.
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