Fulham are considering a bid to re-sign left-back Matt Targett from Southampton in January, as they search for a solution to their defensive problems.

Targett helped Fulham get promoted and it is understood he is keen on returning to the club.

The 23-year-old moved to Craven Cottage on loan in January and his arrival allowed Ryan Sessegnon to push up the field to play on the wing, where he flourished during the second half of last season.

Fulham failed with a £15million move to sign Targett in the summer and they have missed him this season.

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Fulham instead signed Joe Bryan from Bristol City £6m but he has made just four Premier League starts because of injury and is currently out with a hamstring problem.

In his absence, Slavisa Jokanovic has been forced to play centre-back Maxime Le Marchand and Sessegnon at left-back.

Fulham were struggling defensively when Targett joined last season but his arrived helped them tighten up and they conceded just 11 goals in a 17-match unbeaten run from the start of February.

It is hoped Targett could have a similar impact this season. Fulham have the worst defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 29 goals in 11 games.

Targett has made just one Premier League start for Southampton this season and his gametime has been limited behind first-choice left-back Ryan Bertrand.