Agbonlahor thrilled with Targett after a major Aston Villa update
Gabby Agbonlahor has hailed Matt Targett as one of the best left-backs Aston Villa have had for “many years”.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer delivered his verdict after it was reported the 25-year-old is in line for a bumper new contract.
The Athletic report Villa have opened negotiations with Targett whose current deal expires in two years time.
The Englishman is firmly established as Dean Smith’s first-choice left-back and has started every Premier League game this term.
“I’ve been really happy with Targett,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I really liked him when he was at Southampton when he used to play when Bertrand was injured. He did very well there and he’s gone on from there.
“He’s Mr Reliable. You know he’s going to be defensively good, he throws his body on the line. Going forward he’s got a few assists this season. He looks like a good attacking left-back.
“For me, he’s one of the best left-backs we’ve had at the club in many years.
“It will be good to tie him down.
“Everybody knows the players who deserve new contracts, the Konsas, the Mings, the Targetts, Cash has just signed obviously. The McGinns.
“Everybody knows the exact players who deserve new contracts and that’s what the club will do.
“Other players don’t. Other players have got a lot to do to get a new contract. The ones that are being talked about deserve it.”
Jack Grealish, Mings, McGinn and most recently Konsa have all signed new deals since the summer.
Villa’s defence have been one of the meanest in the Premier League this term with 14 clean sheets in 30 league games.
In other news, Aston Villa are braced for a “monster” offer for a 28-year-old from Premier League rival.