VILLA WOULD WELCOME MATT

ASTON VILLA face a huge battle to prise Matt Targett from Southampton.

Saints loaned left-back Targett, behind Ryan Bertrand in the pecking order at St Mary’s, to Fulham in January and the 22-year-old made 23 appearances for the Londoners, helping them to promotion.

Fulham then tried to sign Targett permanently in preparation for their Premier League campaign, with Saints rejecting a £15million bid.

But the England Under-21 international (right) has yet to feature in the Premier League this term and wants a taste of first-team action.

Villa need a left-back after missing out on Joe Bryan, who instead moved to Fulham from Bristol City, and want Targett on loan until January, but Saints are giving little encouragement.