According to reports on the Southern Daily Echo, Southampton left-back Matt Targett is close to a return to training after a long spell on the sidelines.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the England Under-21 left-back would have been looking to seriously challenge Ryan Bertrand for the position this season, but he suffered a huge setback to that bid when he suffered a hamstring injury in October.
It is a problem that has kept him out for the majority of the campaign, and one that could have ultimately cost Targett a future with the club.
Why’s that?
It could depend on the future of Bertrand, but Targett is arguably the third choice in the left-back spot thanks to the emergence of Sam McQueen this term.
The 22-year-old has shown that he is an able deputy to the England international this season thanks to some impressive performances in the Premier League and in Europe – showings that would have impressed manager Claude Puel.
With no European football on the agenda next term, there is a real question mark whether Puel is going to require three left-backs.
Would he be missed if he left?
If Bertrand stays, probably not.
While he has put in some good performances in an attacking sense, Targett has often struggled from a defensive point of view – something that McQueen has been good at this season despite originally beginning his career as a winger.
Is a loan exit more likely?
Potentially, yes.
Southampton are known to be proud of their youth system and to sell one of their academy products – who isn’t wanted by one of the bigger teams – would be difficult.
