Premier League new boys Aston Villa are lining up a £10 million bid for Saints defender Matt Targett, according to the Sun.

It's suggested that Villa boss Dean Smith has made the 23-year-old his top target for the summer as he looks to bolster his back four.

Targett came through the ranks at Saints and made his first team debut back in August 2014 against Millwall.

The Eastleigh lad is contracted to Saints until 2022 after he signed a new five-year deal in 2017.

Despite the long-term contract, Targett has struggled to become a regular in the Saints starting XI.

In order to gain some valuable playing time, the left back joined Fulham on loan in January 2018 and played a part in helping them seal promotion to the Premier League.

It's suggested in the report that he was set to join the Cottagers again in the January transfer window just gone, only for the move to break down.

Targett found himself used by Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl when first choice left back Ryan Bertrand suffered a back injury in November last year.

The former Chelsea defender didn't return until February, which meant Targett was given a chance to impress Hasenhuttl.

He made 21 appearances in total last season and scored his first Premier League goal at home to Bournemouth in the 3-3 draw.