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According to an exclusive from The Sun, Premier League new boys Aston Villa have made Southampton left-back Matt Targett a target for the summer transfer window.
What’s the word, then?
Dean Smith’s men are reportedly readying a bid of £10m for the 23-year-old as they look to build a squad capable of staying at the highest level after promotion from the Championship.
Targett almost swapped St Mary’s for Craven Cottage in the January transfer window before the deal fell through late on, per the original report.
The defender has been on his native south coast with his boyhood club for the whole of his career thus far, apart from a half-season loan with Fulham in the second part of 2017/2018. He has represented both England and Scotland at youth level.
Take the money and run, Saints
The Saints should take the money and run for Targett, choosing not to stand in the way of the once-promising starlet’s exit from St Mary’s.
It’s clear to see now that after 63 senior appearances in the red and white, the academy product simply doesn’t possess the required pace to be an effective attacking full-back at this level. So how can he hope to succeed Ryan Bertrand as the first choice?
Also, it isn’t like Ralph Hasenhuttl doesn’t have other young exciting left-backs in his ranks – just look at the likes of Sam McQueen and Jake Vokins, who’s making waves in the youth system.
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With Bertrand some way off the kind of age where he’ll be giving up his spot in the regular starting Xl, Southampton really wouldn’t miss Targett. As harsh as it may seem.
The money from his sale can be used to reinvest in other areas and strengthen in other positions as comments from Matt Le Tissier suggest that sales are needed before wholesale purchases can be made this summer.
The tale of Targett and the Saints has been great while it lasted – all the excitement about the next possible long-term club left-back and that. But he ultimately hasn’t lived up to his potential despite many chances and this should be the end of the road.