Coventry City must hijack Middlesbrough move for Newcastle United player | OneFootball

Coventry City should take advantage of Middlesbrough's play-off failure and swoop for left-back Matt Targett

Coventry City are in for a huge summer window, which will almost certainly be their biggest in terms of money spent in their history, but could still make room for some savvy, cost-efficient additions.

Coventry will be joined by both Ipswich Town and Hull City in the Premier League next season, with the Tractor Boys finishing behind them in second, and the Tigers triumphant through the play-offs, defeating Middlesbrough at Wembley.

They will replace each of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burnley, and West Ham United, who will take their places in the second tier next campaign.

A 25-year absence from the Premier League is soon to be over for the Sky Blues, whose supporters eagerly wait in anticipation for the ball to begin rolling this summer window.

Frank Lampard's side will almost certainly be linked with big-money moves regularly across the next few months, but should be looking to make some savvy additions too, and should aim to take advantage of Middlesbrough's promotion heartbreak by snatching away one of their loan stars this season, who will be available on a free at the end of next month.

Coventry City should target Newcastle United's Matt Targett after excellent Middlesbrough loan spell amid impending contract expiry

With statistically the best attack and best defence in the league, it's harsh to suggest that Coventry have any areas of weakness, but if we were to be brutal, then left-back is an obvious area for improvement.

Jay Dasilva has been Lampard's preferred choice on the left side of the back four this season, with the Welsh international stepping up and taking the mantle from the ageing Jake Bidwell.

Though Dasilva made 42 league appearances for the Sky Blues this campaign, whether the 28-year-old is capable of making the jump to the top flight at this stage remains to be seen, having never played in the Premier League before.

If Lampard is looking for an experienced option to step in from the get-go or offer competition, then Middlesbrough loanee Matt Targett would be an ideal candidate.

Out of contract this summer at Newcastle United, Targett, 30, has excelled on loan with Middlesbrough this season under Kim Hellberg, and seemingly has no future at St James' Park.

When asked about his future while on loan with Boro, Targett said: "I'm not sure yet. I believe I'm done at Newcastle. That chapter is closed.

"We'll see. Hopefully I get promoted here and there'll be a contract, but if not I've played as much as I can and I'll assess my options."

With Middlesbrough's Championship fate sealed, Targett will almost certainly not be returning to the second tier next year and will instead be on the hunt for a Premier League move.

Newcastle paid Aston Villa around £15 million for Targett back in the summer of 2022 after an excellent loan spell, but struggled for minutes from there on out in the North East, making just 22 league appearances in the following three years prior to his move to Boro.

According to TEAMtalk, both Leeds United and Everton have held an interest in the left-back this summer, with his contract due to expire, and Coventry would likely face some stiff competition for his services.

But if Lampard can offer him the game time he is demanding, then a switch to the CBS Arena could be an attractive proposition for Targett, who is on the lookout for one more big move in his career.

Capable of playing anywhere across the backline, and having taken up a more advanced role under Hellberg this season, the Englishman's versatility is something Coventry could benefit from in the Premier League, and should be looking to get their noses in front for a deal this summer.

Frank Lampard must focus on buying smart and not big ahead of a huge transfer window for Coventry City

Having seen the likes of Nottingham Forest, and more recently, Sunderland spend big following promotion to the Premier League, Coventry may use these two clubs as inspiration.

However, the Sky Blues need to ensure that each signing they make has a positive impact both on and off the pitch, as the worst thing Lampard could do is upset his current dressing room.

With over 600 Premier League appearances as a player and a further 100 as a manager, Lampard knows exactly what it takes to be successful in the top flight, and having someone like Targett around the place would almost certainly be a net positive.