Aston Villa are reportedly set to challenge Middlesbrough for Southampton full-back Matt Targett as well as Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie, according to Graeme Bailey. 

Yesterday it was announced that Yannick Bolasie had travelled to the Riverside to talk through a move to Middlesbrough with manager Tony Pulis, reported Sky Sports News.

But it emerged today that the Congolese winger had travelled to Aston Villa for similar talks with Steve Bruce, reported the Birmingham Mail.

The Sunday Mirror reported that Saints full-back Targett was attracting interest from both clubs as well having failed to agree a permanent move to Fulham this summer.

If Bailey is correct then it would appear that Aston Villa will land both players before the loan window shuts.

Both clubs completed little business throughout the bulk of the summer, with Villa tied up by financial difficulties for most of that period.

The verdict 

This will be a real kick in the teeth for Tony Pulis.

Yannick Bolasie is a brilliant coup for the Championship and would significantly strengthen any team he joins immediately.

To lose out on him and Targett, who proved a very competent left-back last season, is a big blow.

Gaining the pair will do wonders for the mood around Villa Park, however, and could seriously put them back in the promotion hunt.