Honest Middlesbrough reaction given to transfer news involving Leeds United and Everton - I'd be quite surprised' | OneFootball

Matt Targett has been the subject of interest from Everton and Leeds United recently

Middlesbrough's season is not over, and could still yet have a positive end, though a difficult run of form has put Kim Hellberg's side's hopes of promotion into significant doubt.

Middlesbrough have recently endured a difficult run of form, which has seen their chances of automatic promotion take a hit.

Despite their dominance in terms of possession and shots on goal in the majority of games they have played as of late, Hellberg's side has failed to turn that dominance into consistent victories, and as a result, has seen their hopes of a top two finish begin to fade.

Ipswich Town and Millwall have both stumbled in recent weeks, too, though a resurgent Southampton have been thrown into the picture, much to the dismay of Middlesbrough supporters, whose best bet of seeing Premier League football at the Riverside next season may well be through the play-offs.

There have been excellent performers across the board for Boro this season, most notably from the full-backs, with both Callum Brittain and Matt Targett having shone at various stages over the campaign, with the latter drawing interest from a couple of top-flight sides as a result.

Matt Targett has been linked with Everton and Leeds United after a standout season with Middlesbrough

According to TEAMtalk, Middlesbrough left-back Matt Targett is the subject of interest from both Everton and Leeds United this summer after an excellent campaign on loan on Teesside from Newcastle United.

Out of contract with the Magpies at the end of the season, we asked Football League World's Middlesbrough fan pundit, Liam, their thoughts on the matter.

When asked whether they were shocked at the interest from the Premier League duo, Liam said: "Yeah, I very much am, to be honest with you. I think he's a good player, but at his age and how he has been for us, I think he's a Championship-level player.

"If we went up, I wouldn't want to sign him, probably. That might be harsh, but I think you need to be harsh. So, if teams who are somewhat established in the Premier League after this season are looking at him, I'd be quite surprised if it was for a starting role.

"If we're being honest, you know, if you can get a cheap backup, fair play to him. But yeah, that's certainly an interesting one. I'm not sure if I believe them reports too much.

"If we stay down, I'd love to see Boro go in for him, depending on the wages, because he's probably on a fair chunk at Newcastle. But yeah, I don't think he's Premier League quality.

"Currently, he couldn't start at Newcastle when he was there, and he couldn't even get in the team, could he? So yeah, I don't think any Premier League team should probably be looking at him, but I think if you're at the top level of the Championship, I think he's a perfect player for them."

This summer could be Matt Targett's last chance of securing a fresh Premier League move amid top-flight interest

At 30, this summer will likely be Targett's last chance of securing another Premier League move in his career.

His contract in the North East is set to expire in the coming months, allowing him to join his next club on a free transfer, and after an excellent season in the Championship, he has put himself in the shop window, with both Everton and Leeds lurking.

With over 160 top-flight appearances to his name, it's not like the former Aston Villa and Southampton defender lacks the experience or quality required to be a success in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough's only chance at likely making a return for Targett in the summer would be to secure their own promotion, as with interest from the top-flight already hotting up, their chances of securing the 30-year-old permanently look increasingly difficult.