OPINION
With Aston Villa preparing for life back in the Premier League, Dean Smith must be smart in the way he conducts his transfer business should he want a happy return.
The main problem at Villa Park for the majority of last season was their leaky defence. The loan partnership of Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzebe helped to cover the problems significantly in their run to playoff success.
With Tuanzebe set to stay at Manchester United, the Midlands’ club will need to add defensive reinforcements to their ranks or face a huge problem before the first game of the season has even begun.
Villa were reported by the Sun to have set their eyes on a move for Southampton fullback Matthew Targett, with the Villans preparing a £10million bid for the English ace.
This could be a risky move for the 23-year-old, who only made 16 appearances in the top flight last season, 34% of those coming among the starting XI.
The England youth international struggled to break past Ryan Bertrand under Ralph Hassenhuttl and his £10million price tag is way off the mark.
Reputable outlet Football Insider claims that Southampton could be set for a firesale this summer, with as many as eight senior players being allowed to leave the club. One of those is reportedly Targett, and Villa could use this to their advantage to get a cheaper deal.
Targett has not yet proved his ability is worth a £10million move and this fire sale must be used as a bargaining tool.
Should Dean Smith be able to use Southampton’s urge to clear out some of their fringe players to his advantage, a much cheaper move for Targett could prove to be an inspired move.
Recruitment is a must for Villa if they are to stay in the Premier League but they cannot afford to splash the cash carefree – a cut price deal for Targett could be exactly what they need.