Frank McAvennie says ‘quality’ Targett may have ‘no place’ at Villa

Matt Targett has an uncertain future at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under Steven Gerrard, being replaced with a new left-back and being loaned out to Newcastle United. The 26-year-old was a regular for Villa in the first half of the season but suffered from inconsistency which led the club to sign his successor – Lucas Digne from Everton.

Targett, after learning he was surplus to requirements, sought a loan move away to get regular first-team football and Newcastle were happy to oblige. Frank McAvennie doubts whether the Magpies will sign Targett permanently at the end of the season and doubts whether he’ll stay at Villa given he’s been all but frozen out.

He told Football Insider: “You look at Villa and, yes, they have signed Digne and you would think Targett doesn’t have a future at Villa. But Newcastle won’t be signing him. Newcastle will be looking for the big boys to come and join them.

He is a good player, he’s proved that. I’m sure Targett won’t have any shortage of offers if he has no place at Villa, as I say he is a quality player.”

Targett has made two appearances for Newcastle and has delivered two good performances, silencing his critics. Villa signing Digne did seem like the writing was on the wall for Targett, but he’s certainly giving Gerrard food for thought while he continues to shine for Newcastle.

McAvennie is right that he’ll put himself in the shop window if his stint at St James’ Park is a success, so Villa might be able to recoup the money spent if they’re unwilling to keep Targett.