Southampton need to sell before they can buy, which should help Fulham in their reported pursuit of left-back Matt Targett.
Fulham have finally succeeded in signing one of last season’s loan stars on a permanent basis. After weeks of speculation, Aleksandar Mitrovic has joined from Newcastle United for a club-record fee of £22 million.
And, according to Football London, the Cottagers are now set to turn their attention to permanently signing the man who arrived alongside Mitrovic in the January transfer window – Southampton’s Matt Targett.
The left-back was an integral figure as Fulham sealed their return to the Premier League via the play-offs. And Football London believes that signing the 22-year-old is now top of Slavisa Jokanovic’s to-do list before the transfer window slams shut.
According to the Daily Echo, Fulham did make a bid earlier in the window but are yet to return with a second offer.
It is reported that Southampton value Targett at a hefty £15 million but Fulham would rather pay closer to £10 million.
Fortunately for Fulham, the Saints need to sell before they can buy, and the fact that Targett is unlikely to be a key part of Mark Hughes’ first-team plans means he is one player the South Coast club could be willing to cash in on.
Targett has made just 23 Premier League starts since bursting on to the scene in 2014/15, with Ryan Bertrand ahead of him in the pecking order, meaning he is obviously keen to secure more regular minutes next season.
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