Middlesbrough confronts transfer challenge from Everton and Leeds United for Matt Targett on.

Premier League clubs Everton and Leeds United are eyeing moves for Middlesbrough loanee Matt Targett this summer.

Middlesbrough's campaign for automatic promotion appears increasingly daunting following a series of disappointing results, with Kim Hellberg's team now likely needing to secure promotion through the play-offs.

At one point, Middlesbrough had taken the lead over Coventry City in the race for automatic promotion; however, they now find themselves 13 points behind the Sky Blues in 5th place.

A winless run of six matches has dashed Boro's hopes for a top-two finish while a rejuvenated Southampton has edged past them in the standings.

Unless there is a drastic collapse in the final four games, a top-six finish seems all but assured, as head coach Hellberg looks to conclude the season positively before the play-offs.

Should promotion to the Premier League fall through, star players like Hayden Hackney may leave, but Middlesbrough could suffer an additional setback in their efforts to secure a permanent deal for a standout loan player this season.

Everton and Leeds United eye surprise moves for Middlesbrough loanee Matt Targett this summer

According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, Matt Targett, currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Newcastle United, is drawing interest from Premier League sides Everton and Leeds United this summer following an impressive season in the Championship.

The 30-year-old's contract at St James' Park is set to expire this summer, allowing him to explore options as a free agent, posing a challenge for Boro in their quest to secure his permanent signature.

Targett has made significant contributions with four goals and three assists in 38 appearances this season. His performances at Riverside have been among the best of his career, benefiting from Hellberg's attacking style of play.

The former Southampton, Fulham, and Aston Villa defender has over 160 Premier League appearances in his career, marking this season as his first full campaign in the Championship.

However, it appears likely to be his last in the Championship for now, with a return to the Premier League being considered.

Middlesbrough would be keen to sign Targett on a permanent basis, but the newfound Premier League interest makes that goal more complex.

With Vitaly Mykolenko's future at Everton uncertain due to his expiring contract, and Adam Aznou not ready to take over, Targett has emerged as a strategic target for David Moyes.

Leeds, who signed Gabriel Gudmundsson in the summer from Lille, see him thriving in England, while James Justin adds competition in that position.

Both clubs view Targett as a versatile option, capable of covering various defensive roles, having played centrally for Middlesbrough this season.

Kim Hellberg's challenge: Secure Premier League promotion to enhance Matt Targett's chances amid Everton and Leeds interest

If Middlesbrough remains in the Championship next season, their chances of signing Targett will sharply decline, as he'd likely seek Premier League opportunities given the interest.

However, securing promotion would enhance those prospects, making a permanent move to Riverside more appealing given his successful season there.

Thus, Hellberg must prioritize achieving top-flight promotion to have any chance of retaining Targett next season.

With Everton and Leeds showing interest, Middlesbrough has even more incentive to aim for promotion, as this news should motivate them further.