Carlton Palmer says Targett has his ‘future away’ from Villa

Matt Targett has an uncertain future at Aston Villa after losing his starting place under Steven Gerrard and being succeeded by Lucas Digne in January. The 26-year-old has suffered from inconsistency this season and now finds himself loaned out to Newcastle United.

Targett will return to Bodymoor Heath this summer as he has three more years remaining on his contract, but Carlton Palmer believes the ‘unlucky’ left-back has his ‘future away’ from Villa Park. He told Give Me Sport: “I think he’s done, but I think he’s been unlucky.

“I think he’s played well whenever I’ve seen him play for Aston Villa, but Steven Gerrard wants to play a different way. He wants to play with his full-backs further up the field and Digne is his number one full-back now. If Matt goes back there, he is playing second fiddle, so his future is away from Villa Park now.”

Targett joined Villa from Southampton in 2019 and has gone on to make 89 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals with five assists. The 26-year-old made 19 appearances across the board this season but delivered a lot of below-par performances which made up Gerrard’s mind to replace him.

Digne has enjoyed a bright start to life at Villa Park, notching one assist from his first three outings while impressing on the pitch, so he could end up being a brilliant acquisition. Targett won’t want to be second fiddle upon his return to Villa next season, so he might be sold.

Fans will be appreciative of Targett’s efforts in the last three years, but the club’s ambition means they’re upgrading weak areas of the squad.

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