Aston Villa are hopeful over beating Championship rivals Middlesbrough to the loan captures of Everton winger Yannick Bolasie and Southampton defender Matt Targett, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
The reporter claims on his personal Twitter account that the two second tier sides are both in the hunt for the Premier League duo but that the Villans are ‘confident’ of beating their north east counter parts to their signatures.
Aston Villa competing with Middlesbrough for Yannick Bolasie and Matt Targett – and they are 'confident' about landing both players ahead of Boro.
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) August 21, 2018
Targett was a promotion winner with Fulham during his loan spell with the Cottagers last season, while Bolasie has 82 games worth of Championship experience under his belt during his time with Plymouth Argyle, Bristol City and Crystal Palace.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Both Targett and Bolasie have proven records in the Championship and Villa could really do with players of their pedigree if they want to push for another play off spot – or potentially higher – this season.
The full back is highly rated at Southampton and were seemingly reluctant to let him go on a permanent basis before the window slammed shut, but they may be more receptive to a temporary move, especially when game time seems like a rarity for him.
As for Bolasie, he was probably hoping for a move to a club higher than in the second tier but with no one coming in for him, a Championship loan might get suitors eyeing up a move in the future.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Getting one through the door seems like a challenge so both would be a real coup – but is it a realistic prospect?
The wages the duo will be on will be significant and even with their new owners at the helm, Villa will want to be spending sensibly to avoid any sort of repeat of this summer.
If they can afford them, then go for it, but Villa might well be punching above their weight here.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10