Transfer gossip: QPR reportedly tried to sign Aston Villa man

The Birmingham Mail have followed up speculation that QPR failed in a deadline-day move for Aston Villa defender Tommy Elphick.

It comes after the Sunday People reported that Rangers tried to bring the 29-year-old centre-back to Loftus Road, after the departure of Steve Caulker to Lokomotiv Moscow.

However, it is said that the move broke down when Villa could not secure a replacement.

Former Brighton man Elphick joined Villa from Bournemouth in the summer on a three-year deal, and was initially named club captain.

However, he has only featured in eight out of Steve Bruce’s 18 matches in charge and was an unused substitute in Villa’s 1-0 win at QPR in December.