West Ham United are set to miss out on Matt Targett, with Hull City reportedly closing in on the free-agent left-back.
The Hammers were credited with interest in the 30-year-old earlier this month, alongside Championship rivals Norwich City. ReadWestHam previously covered West Ham’s reported pursuit of Targett after he left Newcastle United at the end of his contract.
However, BBC Radio Humberside reporter Mike White says Hull are signing Targett on a free transfer. The defender is reportedly set to sign a two-year contract and join the newly promoted Premier League club’s training camp in Slovenia.
Targett restored his reputation during a productive loan spell with Middlesbrough last season. He made 45 appearances and recorded eight goal contributions as Boro reached the Championship play-off final, where they were beaten by Hull.
West Ham must reassess left-back options
Targett would have offered Nuno Espírito Santo proven Championship experience without requiring a transfer fee. His ability to contribute in attack also made him an attractive option for a side preparing for a demanding 46-game league campaign.
His Newcastle spell was disrupted by injuries, limiting him to 47 appearances across four and a half seasons. However, his availability last term suggested those fitness problems were behind him.
Hull can offer Targett an immediate return to the Premier League after winning promotion. That opportunity appears to have placed them ahead of West Ham and Norwich, despite the prospect of regular football elsewhere.
West Ham must now move to another target if Nuno wants greater depth on the left side of defence. Free agents remain available, while the club could also explore the loan and permanent markets before the season begins.
Missing out on Targett is frustrating rather than decisive. The priority is finding a reliable alternative quickly enough to settle into Nuno’s squad before the Championship campaign starts.
