Signing for Villa is a massive deal for me says Matt
VILLA’S latest summer recruit, Matt Targett, has spoken of his excitement after completing his move to the club.
The former Southampton defender’s transfer, completed on Monday, makes him the fifth arrival in what is proving to be a busy summer at Villa Park.
Initial reports suggested the fee for the 23-year-old would be in the region of £14million, but the Birmingham Post understands that it is closer to £11.5million.
Newcastle and West Ham were both believed to be interested in the leftback, who has opted to join what he called a “massive football club”.
Targett revealed his eagerness to get started with his new colleagues and said: “I’m very happy, looking forward to meeting everyone and continuing on this great journey.
“This football club is a massive football club and it’s going to be a massive step in my development to join this club.
“I’m very impressed, there is a massive fanbase, I’m looking forward to playing in front of them. The training ground, just being here a few minutes, there’s amazing facilities. I’ve been to Villa Park before and it’s a big stadium.”
Targett takes Villa’s summer spending spree over the £50million mark and he believes he has joined a club on the up, with a manager in Dean Smith, who plays football his way.
“It’s (a club) on the up, the manager is building something special here. I spoke to Dean and I’m very excited to join him and his plans to move this club as forward as it can get,’’ he said.
“It’s perfect for me to come here and play in the style the gaffer wants to play, so I’m very excited.”
The former England Under-21 international endured a frustrating spell at St Mary’s, failing to oust Ryan Bertrand. He has claimed he is moving to Villa to establish himself as a topflight player, but thinks competition with Neil Taylor can only be positive for the team.
“That’s the main reason I’m here, to get the games under my belt, establish