The hurdle Middlesbrough have to clear to sign Matt Targett ahead of Leeds or Everton | OneFootball

Middlesbrough must ensure a return to the Premier League is secured if they want to sign Matt Targett this summer

Middlesbrough, at one stage, found themselves in a prime position to go on and secure promotion back to the Premier League, but a recent dip in form has seen their automatic promotion chances take a huge blow.

On the whole, there has been a lot to cheer about on Teesside this campaign for Middlesbrough.

The departure of Rob Edwards to Wolverhampton Wanderers could have sent them down a slippery slope, but instead, the appointment of Kim Hellberg as the Welshman's replacement has seen them kick on.

Middlesbrough were ahead of Coventry City for several gameweeks at one stage, but have since seen the Sky Blues secure promotion and claim the Championship title, as they head into their match against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday night having gone eight games without tasting victory in the league.

A return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 remains a real possibility for Boro, despite their recent dip in form, as their chances of signing a certain loan star permanently this summer hinge on this one clear hurdle.

Middlesbrough must secure promotion to the Premier League to secure Matt Targett signing amid Leeds and Everton interest

Under Hellberg, Middlesbrough have at times played some of the best stuff in the Championship this season, dominating games in terms of possession, shots, and overall momentum.

However, this has not always translated into the results they were looking for, as Boro's slip down the league is a stark reminder of the nature of the English second tier.

The Swede has allowed his full-backs to take up more fluid positions higher up the pitch, with both Callum Brittain and Matt Targett benefiting from this tactical switch, as competition from other clubs for the latter's signature this summer hots up.

As per TEAMtalk, both Leeds United and Everton are looking to sign the 30-year-old this summer on a free transfer once his deal with Newcastle United expires, having joined Boro on loan until the end of his Magpies deal.

With top-flight interest increasing, FootballInsider has now revealed that the former Southampton and Aston Villa defender wants to return to the Premier League next season, outlining his clear ambitions to Middlesbrough as to what they must do to sign him.

Indeed, Boro likely didn't need any more motivation to go on and fire themselves back to the top-flight, but given how important Targett has been on Teesside this season, his permanent addition would almost certainly be a highly popular one.

When fit, Targett has been an almost-guaranteed starter under both Edwards and Hellberg this season, at times covering at centre-back as well whenever required, and performing admirably.

However, it is this new attacking role from left-back where the Englishman has thrived, and what has drawn interest from the top-flight.

At 30, Targett will be well aware that this summer likely presents his last chance of securing another big contract in the Premier League, so it therefore comes as no surprise that he would be keen to stay in the top-flight by any means.

Of course, he'd likely want to do so with Middlesbrough, yet if Boro cannot guarantee him top-flight football, he may have to venture elsewhere, which would be a huge blow for the club.

The conditions of how Middlesbrough can sign Targett this summer have been clearly outlined, as Hellberg's side must find a way to get their noses across the line first to secure his signature amid strong interest from Leeds and Everton.

Kim Hellberg would love to sign Matt Targett this summer, but must secure Premier League football first

Since arriving on Teesside, Hellberg has formally recognised Targett as one of Middlesbrough's most important players, which has been shown in his faith in the Englishman to cover several positions across the pitch and being one of his most used players.

It was previously revealed by FootballInsider that Middlesbrough would 'love' to make his loan move a permanent one this summer, which comes as little surprise to anyone.

Now, with the terms of how Boro can sign him now revealed, Hellberg will be well aware of the task ahead of him, as he looks to fire Middlesbrough back to the top-flight for the first time in nearly a decade.