Aston Villa manager Dean Smith would like to sign Southampton’s left-back Matt Targett this summer, according to reports.
A story in the Express and Star today suggests the 23-year-old is a player Smith sees as a good squad option ahead of Villa’s return to the Premier League.
Targett, a former England youth international, made his Premier League debut for the Saints in 2014 but hasn’t managed to nail down regular game time since then, making only 43 top flight appearances.
However, he is a player with high potential and this report suggests that the Villains hope he will continue his development at Villa Park with opportunities for him on the south coast limited.
Ryan Bertrand, who is also said to be available for transfer, is ahead of him in the pecking order while Ralph Hasenhuttl wants to give a first team chance to academy product Jake Vokins.
It is thought Southampton will ask for around £10 million for Targett, which would be a good fee for a player who is not playing every week.
That money could also be put towards strengthening the squad, with the Saints said to be prioritising the signing of a centre-back.
