Aston Villa eye £10m bid for Southampton left-back Matt Targett as Dean Smith continues transfer spending spree

MATT TARGETT is wanted at Aston Villa to bolster their squad for the Premier League.

The Southampton defender, 23, is Dean Smith’s first choice to add competition at left-back following promotion from the Championship.

Targett almost signed for Fulham during the January window before a move fell through and he stayed at St Mary’s.

But that has left the door open for Villa to swoop and offer top-flight football next season for the £10million-rated man.

Targett started 13 games in the Premier League last season but was behind Ryan Bertrand at left-back at the end of the campaign.

Villa will also make a bid to land Tyrone Mings next season after his successful loan spell.

And Smith has already completed the permanent capture of Anwar El Ghazi for £8million.

The Dutch international, 24, was a key figure in the Villans' promotion campaign after arriving on loan from Lille.

And he has signed a four-year deal at Villa Park to aid their survival fight in the Premier League.

Forward Jota, 27, moved from local rivals Birmingham for £4m in the first completed deal of what is set to be a busy window for Smith's side.