Aston Villa tipped to sign new defender amid reported Targett news – Hutton | OneFootball

Alan Hutton has tipped Aston Villa to sign a new left-back this summer as competition for Matt Targett.

The former Holte End favourite, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted while the 25-year-old deserved a new and improved contract, Villa need to recruit another option ahead of next season.

The Athletic report the Villans have opened talks over a new deal for Targett to reward him for his impressive performances this season.

The full-back has started every one of Villa’s 31 Premier League games this season.

He still has two years left on his current terms but is said to be in line for a pay rise.

Neil Taylor, Villa’s other senior left-back, is out of contract this summer.

As such, Hutton suggested Villa would sign some added competition for Targett, regardless of his new contract.

“It did take him a little bit of time to get going,” Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.

“Obviously, Neil Taylor was there in front of him, I think Targett had a few issues at the start of his Villa career. However, he’s gone from strength to strength, he’s a solid player. You know what you’re going to get.

“He is going to be a 7/10 every single week which is good for the manager. Smith trusts him, he understands what he’s going to get from him.

“He deserves a new contract, I think he’s done really well. He’s Mr Reliable so you want people at your club.

“I think this summer they’ll bring somebody in to give him that competition with Neil Taylor probably leaving.”

Targett has a total of 63 appearances under his belt since joining from Southampton in 2019.

Meanwhile, Taylor has played just four times this season.

In other news, Aston Villa ready to go toe-to-toe with West Ham in race to sign dazzling Premier League star.