According to the latest reports from Daily Echo, Southampton are reluctant to lose Matt Targett in the summer, but they know that it would be unreasonable to keep hold of the left-back if they continue only to use him as a backup option. Aston Villa have already enquired about the left back, and some other clubs are interested as well.
Targett came up from Southampton’s academy, and he has had to play second fiddle to Ryan Bertrand in that position. It is believed that the Saints could lose either one of them in this window. Therefore all this development should come as a piece of good news for Villa if they are keen on this 23-year-old fullback.
Reports from the Sun earlier came out that Dean Smith is preparing a £10m raid on the English fullback. Fulham are also said to be interested, and this is not the first time that the Cottagers are after him. The defender joined at the London based club in January 2018 on loan and helped them win the Championship playoffs that season. Southampton blocked a permanent move in the summer of 2018 to Fulham, but this time the Saints can lose him.
Targett just made 13 starts in the Premier League last season, and we feel that Southampton are hindering Targett’s progress as he could play for quite a few teams as the no. 1 left back.
The Villans deployed Neil Taylor in the left-back role in the Championship, but it seems like Smith wants an upgrade over the Welshman. Moreover, Taylor is already 30, and it would make sense for the club to sign a more long term option like Targett, who is 23.
What will Targett bring to Villa Park?
The Saints fullback has a decent pace and acceleration, and he is robust in his challenges. Targett is known as a committed left back who likes to go into crunching tackles. He needs to improve his delivery high up the pitch. He is largely an attack-minded fullback who can even play as a left midfielder as well when required.
Good signing for Smith?
Neil Taylor still has two years left on his contract, and by the time it runs out, he would be 32. Targett is a decent option to have, but he would need to improve on a few things to be an excellent option for the Villans. However, there is potential in the English fullback, and for the quoted price of £10m, he would be a decent bet for Dean Smith.
