Claret Villans
Fansided

Aston Villa eyeing Southampton’s Matt Targett as left back reinforcement

By Josh Tonti

KUNSHAN, CHINA - JULY 05: Benjamin Goller of Schalke FC competes for the ball against Matthew Targett of Southampton FC during the 2018 Clubs Super Cup match between Schalke and Southampton at Kunshan Sports Center Stadium on July 5, 2018 in Kunshan, Jiangsu Provinceon, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
KUNSHAN, CHINA - JULY 05: Benjamin Goller of Schalke FC competes for the ball against Matthew Targett of Southampton FC during the 2018 Clubs Super Cup match between Schalke and Southampton at Kunshan Sports Center Stadium on July 5, 2018 in Kunshan, Jiangsu Provinceon, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Aston Villa executives turn their attention to the loan market after Joe Bryan spurned a move to Villa Park in favor of Fulham.

Matt Targett is a hot commodity in the EFL Championship as a solid left back option for clubs in need. At Southampton, the 22-year old is rooted behind England international Ryan Bertrand at the position. Moreover, Targett faces competition from fellow young left-sided player, Sam McQueen.

Targett should be a familiar face to Villa fans. He started May’s play-off final that Fulham went on to win 1-0. As a January acquisition via loan, both he and Aleksandar Mitrovic drastically changed the Cottagers’ fortunes in the second half of the season.

More from Claret Villans

Together, they strengthened Fulham’s two weakest areas and turned them into a team that basically did not lose in 2018. They rode it all they way to promotion.

The Saints obviously rate the player. They turned down a reported £15 million offer from Fulham, who then turned their attention to stealing Joe Bryan from Aston Villa.

It’s funny how things come full circle, right?

It would be pretty ironic if Villa land Targett, Fulham’s preferred option after Fulham signed Bryan, Villa’s preferred option.

However, it’s not a foregone conclusion Targett will be allowed to leave on loan. He was in the matchday squad that lost to Everton 2-1, albeit as a substitute to starting left back Ryan Bertrand.

It’s also not definitive Villa would be the front-runners for the player’s services. Virtually every team in the Championship would be interested in some capacity. Moreover, a handful of Premier League clubs could kick the tires as well. Targett’s mix of talent and experience for such a young age makes him an ideal loan or loan-to-buy option for many teams in England.

Home/Transfer Rumors