The Athletic have released an intriguing piece on Matt Targett’s future at St James’ Park, explaining why it’s not a forgone conclusion that he signs on a permanent deal from Aston Villa this summer.
They report that while he is deemed defensively solid, a very good character and reliable professional who is unlikely to let his levels drop should he extend his stay, it seems Eddie Howe ideally wants a more attacking left-back.
Howe admitted earlier this month that “opinions need to be fully formed” on the Villa loanee, suggesting a £15m move is certainly not a formality at this stage.
Building on this, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh states that ‘doubts remain’ about the 26-year-old’s ability to pose a threat down the left.
Despite being superb defensively, Targett is yet to bag a goal or an assist since he arrived and is not a modern-day, marauding full-back – something Howe’s Bournemouth sides always had.
As a result, Waugh refuses to rule out a move for a more progressive, forward-thinking left-back instead, as Howe is yet to decide whether this is needed down the left to compliment Kieran Trippier and the attacking brand of football he plans to deliver at St James’ Park.
A permanent move for Targett still looks likely, with a £15m deal seeming good value in the medium term and his defensive work valued to make up for Allan Saint-Maximin’s lack of tracking back, but talk of his arrival being imminent may be premature at present.
What can I say?
If Chris Waugh says it’s true, then it must be true!
Helen Clarey(Quote)