‘Ticks all the boxes’ – Aston Villa fans think Matt Targett can solve problem position

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Matt Targett from Southampton, the club’s official website has announced. The defender moves to the West Midlands for an undisclosed fee.

This brings an end to 15 years as a Southampton player after he joined as a schoolboy. The 23-year-old made 63 first-team appearances for the Saints but he has now moved away permanently.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith told avfc.co.uk: “He fits our criteria of being a young player with experience of playing in the Premier League and having the potential to develop further. He will help make us a stronger defensive unit and we are all looking forward to working with him.”

(Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

Targett will compete with Neil Taylor for the starting left-back spot. This was considered a weak area last season with Taylor struggling with his defensive duties.

But now there is competition for places in this department – something Smith was eager to sort out early in the window. The competition between the two players can only be healthy for Aston Villa as they embark on a season in the top-flight again.

Here are some tweets from Villa supporters discussing the Targett signing.

Fantastic addition. We haven’t had a quality LB in a long time Targett can be that guy.

— Captain Grealish. (@10Grealish) July 1, 2019

Nice, need a good instant impact!

— Villans Opinions (@VillansOpinions) July 1, 2019

Very solid signing ?? looking forward to watching him play next season and hopefully he’ll be able to deliver a lot of assists to Wesley

— JCM (@JCM) July 1, 2019

No more Taylor ??

— Ryan (@RyRyy69) July 1, 2019

Very happy with that. Ticks all of the boxes in terms of the sort of players we should be looking for! #avfc

— Dom Suffolk (@DSuffolk96) July 1, 2019

Nice one… Welcome to the Villa Matt.
Now fulfill your potential and nail down that LB position.

— ⚘Phil; Likes Loves ? & Rants (Facetious Git) (@A_Guy_on_Here) July 1, 2019