Saints have announced that Matt Targett has signed a new contract with the club as he looks to make this season one which he truly makes the breaktrough to Premier League level.

Saints have put out a press statement .

Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce that left-back Matt Targett has signed a new five-year contract.

The Academy graduate, who has been with Saints since the age of eight, has committed his future to the club until 2022.

Targett missed the majority of last term due to a hamstring injury, but following his surgery in December the 21-year-old has returned in impressive pre-season form.

"It’s a great way to kick-off the season," started Targett.

"I am really happy to sign. I’ve been at the club since I was eight so to extend my time here is only a good thing.

"Physically I feel good. I think I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I think the injury has only helped me improve physically and mentally.

"I have come back from it all and got my fitness back — I am feeling fitter and stronger so it’s all positive at the moment."

Three Years ago Targett looked impressive as he broke into the Saints first team when Ryan Bertrand was injured, but in Koeman's final season he fell out of favour with the Dutch manager and his career stalled a little.

Last season injury kept him out of the side for much of the season allowing Sam McQueen to break into the side.

However in pre season he has looked a little bit more like his old self and he looks set to finally fulfill his potential, Saints certainly think so and could put their faith in him should Ryan Bertrand leave at any stage.

But for now he will understudy Bertrand and hope that when his chance comes he can take it with both hands.

Photo: Action Images

Lazz added 18:56 - Aug 4 OH NO
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larry12 added 19:40 - Aug 4 Is there any further proof that Les Reed is the lunatic running the asylum? Nobody rates "Plug"(Bash Street Kids) as premiership material. Dog help us. Get rid of Reed the nutter now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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RednWight added 20:03 - Aug 4 I think the current situation with Van Dyke proves that contracts are a waste of ink
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helpineedsomebody added 20:30 - Aug 4 wing back may be full back NEVER
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steve73 added 21:24 - Aug 4 I agree, half decent wing back but his defending is suspect. Wingers find it pretty easy to do him over and over. He's improving slowly but I don't know how much better he can get.
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SanMarco added 22:30 - Aug 4 Most of the 'good news' at the moment is distinctly underwhelming methinks...
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landerwal added 23:47 - Aug 4 Oh dear. It seems that with the attitudes to Stephen's and now Targett no young player from the academy should be allowed any where near the first team and all vacant positions should be only be filled by paying out tens of millions of pounds for other team's players. Scrap our world class academy and become like so many other clubs, who assume you only have to open the cheque book to get success. Young players need their chance in the first team, not kicking their heels on the bench. Both Stephen's and Targett could well become good, maybe top premiership players, but they have to be given their chance in the first team.

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SaintPaulVW added 07:58 - Aug 5 Most defenders take longer to develop and really need experience to progress. He's only 21. Give him some game time and see what we've got. Good move.
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highfield49 added 10:12 - Aug 5 Sorry guys I don't understand the negativity surrounding Targett unless it's born out of frustration with the lack of other signings. He is, at present, Bertrand's understudy ffs and still learning at the top level. There are a few experienced full backs around the premiership with little more ability than Targett so I, for one, have no issues with his contract extension.

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pete_boggs added 13:05 - Aug 5 Reed has had a nervous breakdown.
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SaintBrock added 19:47 - Aug 5 Stupid thing to do in the wake of the van Dyke fiasco. What is Les trying to prove? Nobody wants to buy Targett so why tie ourselves down financially with this nonsense.
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