FORMER Cherries skipper Tommy Elphick believes signing John Terry would be a “brilliant fit for all parties”.

Elphick, who led Cherries into the Premier League, said the Chelsea star had been a role model to him during his formative years at Brighton.

Terry, capped 78 times by England, was this week linked by the Daily Telegraph with a surprise loan move to Vitality Stadium, although subsequent reports suggest it is unlikely to happen.

The 36-year-old has started just four Premier League games for the leaders this season and is out of contract in the summer.

Cherries’ defensive resources have taken a hit this month with Nathan Ake recalled by Chelsea, Simon Francis picking up a three-match ban and Marc Wilson injured in the FA Cup defeat at Millwall.

Elphick, who joined Aston Villa for £3.25million in July, thinks both Terry and Cherries would benefit from the player moving temporarily to Dorset.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Elphick said: “There is still an element of surprise when you see the likes of John Terry and Jack Wilshere linked with AFC Bournemouth because the club has gone so far in such a short space of time.

“But that is the territory they are in now and it is going to become the norm to see this type of player coming to the club.

“At first glance, a lot of people may think there is no chance. But when you dig a bit deeper and look at the situation, I think it would be a brilliant fit for all parties.

“The squad is a little short in that area at the moment and, if you have the option to bring in someone of that calibre and with the wealth of experience he has, it is a no-brainer.

“It would be good for the manager to have that talent and an invaluable experience for the likes of Steve Cook, Simon Francis and Tyrone Mings to learn from someone like him.

“It would also be a really enjoyable experience for John Terry. I know he is a one-club man and it would be hard for him to leave Chelsea but it is a lovely place to live and they play the right style of football.

“Also, you would imagine he would want to go into management one day and if he worked with Eddie (Howe) and Jason (Tindall) for six months, he would learn an unbelievable amount from them for his future.

“In my opinion and for a short-term fix, you are not going to get a better option. But knowing the manager as I do from working with him, he will have one eye on the future and possibly bringing in a centre-half he can mould into a great centre-half for the club for many years.”

Elphick added: “For me, he is the best centre-half of my generation. He was someone I loved watching when I was growing up and I know Cookie and Franno would be of the same opinion. To be able to play with someone like that would be invaluable.

“You only have to look at the impact Jack Wilshere has had not only with his performances but with how much Harry Arter, Andrew Surman and Dan Gosling have come on playing with a player like him. I think John Terry going there would bring out the best in the lads around him.”