Everton join Leeds in race to sign former Aston Villa star who’s set to leave his club

Everton have joined Leeds in the race to sign a former Aston Villa star who’s set to leave his club, according to reports.

The Toffees are preparing for another important summer under David Moyes after a season that showed signs of progress but ultimately faded away during the final weeks of the campaign.

They finished 13th in the Premier League after briefly threatening to push towards the top half and even flirted with the possibility of European qualification.

Moyes helped to stabilise the club after his return to Merseyside in January 2025, and there remains optimism that Everton can continue moving forward with a stronger squad next season.

Recruitment is expected to focus heavily on adding depth and experience, particularly in defence, with John Stones among the big names on their radar.

They could also strengthen further forward, with soon-to-be free agent Solly March linked this week.

Everton’s form dipped badly towards the end of the season, with the team finishing the campaign on a seven-match winless run, exposing concerns around squad balance and consistency.

Left-back is one area likely to be reviewed during the window, especially with Moyes reportedly keen to add reliable Premier League experience to his squad.

That may explain why Everton have now entered the race for Newcastle defender Matt Targett.

Everton join Leeds in race to sign Matt Targett

According to SportsBoom, Everton are among the clubs interested in signing the 30-year-old this summer, with Leeds and newly-promoted Coventry City also in the running.

Targett is set to leave Newcastle on a free transfer once his contract expires.

The defender is well known in Premier League circles after spells with Southampton, Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Although injuries disrupted parts of his time on Tyneside, Targett remains highly regarded for his experience, defensive reliability and crossing ability from wide areas.

Before joining Newcastle permanently in 2022, he enjoyed a particularly strong spell at Aston Villa, where he became a regular starter and helped the club steadily establish themselves in the top flight under Dean Smith.

He later impressed during an initial loan spell with Newcastle, convincing the club to complete a permanent move.

However, his opportunities became increasingly limited in recent seasons as Newcastle strengthened their squad and dealt with fierce competition for places.

Targett spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he rebuilt momentum with regular football in the Championship. Reports suggest his performances there have reignited interest from several clubs searching for experienced defenders available without a transfer fee.

For Everton, the attraction is obvious.

The club are still expected to operate carefully financially despite greater stability under The Friedkin Group, meaning free transfers and lower-cost deals are likely to remain an important part of their recruitment strategy.

Targett’s Premier League experience and versatility would make him a relatively low-risk addition.

Competition could still be significant, though.

Leeds are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for their second season back in the Premier League. Newly-promoted Coventry City have reportedly shown interest too, although Everton’s top-flight status and Moyes’ reputation could strengthen their position if talks progress seriously.

Moyes has consistently valued dependable and experienced defenders throughout his managerial career, and Targett fits that profile naturally.

Everton also know they need greater depth if they are to avoid another season drifting away after promising spells of form.

While Targett may not be viewed as a headline signing, deals like this could still prove important to Everton’s wider rebuild.