After rejecting Fulham's £15m deadline day bid for Matt Targett, Southampton are now willing to let their young left-back leave on loan to the Championship.

According to The Yorkshire Post, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough want to sign Targett on loan.

Aston Villa were desperate to sign Joe Bryan before the transfer deadline but Fulham swooped to land the Bristol City left-back after missing out on Targett.

The Villans are still in the market for a left-back and Targett is now a loan target.

Middlesbrough were also interested in Bryan as they aimed to provide competition for places with George Friend, following Fabio's departure.

Both sides are now going head-to-head for Targett, who played for Fulham last season and helped them win promotion via the play-offs.

The 22-year-old played 21 games for the Cottagers in his half-season loan and has also played 42 games for Southampton in his career.

But the former England under-21 international is behind Ryan Bertrand in the pecking order and will be allowed to leave on loan again.

The Verdict

After missing out on Bryan, both Aston Villa and Boro would be making a very good signing in Targett.

The young full-back has experience and is still very young, so he has scope to improve.

At Fulham last season, Targett was very impressive and he can aid a promotion push at Villa or Boro.

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