Go for it Smith – Aston Villa must surely revive their interest in their 23-year-old summer target

Why Aston Villa should sign Matt Targett from Southampton

Aston Villa are slowly coming to terms with the race in the Championship after the departure of Steve Bruce. They hired Dean Smith and are doing well under him. They are now 11th in the table, with 24 points from 17 games, just four behind the playoff spots.

The most important thing is the momentum they have had in the past two games. After beating Bolton Wanderers, the Birmingham club had a tough game against Derby County away from home just before this international break.

And they just got the better of the Rams in a way a Championship big boy would do. That should really impart confidence into the players going into the festive period fixtures.

If Villa manage to negotiate the next set of games and stay close to the promotion spots, it would be one phenomenal comeback, especially witnessing how they were when Bruce left.

However, before going too far ahead, it is clearly understood that the squad needs enhancements in certain areas. Hence, they should look to buy Matt Targett from Southampton to bolster the left-back area. Here’s why:

Defensive recuperation required

If we look at the Aston Villa squad, they have Neil Taylor as the orthodox left-back and Alan Hutton filling in when required. The former wasn’t able to get into the team when Bruce was in charge, however, he has stepped up to the plate under Smith.

But the problem for the manager is that the Welshman is injured, and he has to strengthen that position so that he doesn’t have to depend on Taylor being fit for every game.

Hence, getting a new left-back makes perfect sense for Villa. They were linked (h/t Birmingham Mail) with Southampton’s Matt Targett in the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old hasn’t been able to get regular minutes ahead of Ryan Bertrand. He has played two Premier League games and two EFL Cup games, which are not enough for a talented player who needs games to enhance his overall play.

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It would be best for both parties if Villa make a swoop for him in the January transfer window. It will beneficial for the player as he could receive more playing time. And it would be ideal for the club to get a player who was involved in Fulham’s promotion last season.