Hull City 'in talks' to sign Aston Villa's Leon Bailey as ex-Middlesbrough FC man Matt Targett 'nears' move

Hull City are reportedly in talks to sign Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey - and appear to be on the verge of signing Matt Targett.

The Tigers have not raced out of the traps in the transfer market but with the Premier League season approaching, transfer planning is stepping up a gear.

Having recruited goalkeeper Jack Butland from Rangers, Hull now look to be eyeing outfield additions to Sergej Jakirovic’s squad.

Hull City in Leon Bailey ‘talks’ with Aston Villa

According to The Athletic, Hull are in talks over an ambitious deal to sign Jamaica international Bailey from their new Premier League rivals Villa.

The 28-year-old, a right-sided winger, has made 163 appearances for Villa since joining from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £25m in 2021.

He has registered 23 goals and 25 assists for the club, but was loaned to Roma last summer before being recalled in January.

Villa are said to prefer a permanent exit for Bailey, who is supposedly keen to remain in England. Talks between Villa and Bailey’s representatives have reportedly taken place in recent days, with a summer exit seemingly inevitable.

Hull City close in on Matt Targett after Newcastle United release

Meanwhile, Hull look to be on the verge of signing defender Matt Targett following his departure from Newcastle United.

The 30-year-old, an experienced left-back, was released by the Magpies after spending the 2025/26 season on loan in the Championship with Middlesbrough.

BBC Radio Humberside have indicated a two-year deal at the MKM Stadium is on the cards, with Targett expected to link up with Hull for their pre-season training camp in Slovenia.

His last competitive outing came against the Tigers, in the club’s 1-0 Championship play-off final win over Middlesbrough.

MORE: Hull City goalkeeper linked with two EFL clubs as loan exit mooted