Newcastle United are reportedly contemplating signing left-back, Matt Targett, on a permanent deal from Aston Villa in the summer.
According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Newcastle could make an attempt to sign Aston Villa loanee Matt Targett on a permanent move in the summer. The 26-year-old has enjoyed his time at the Tyneside outfit so far, and a permanent summer switch could be on the cards, with Eddie Howe convinced by his impressive performances and eager to make the defender his first summer signing.
Targett left Aston Villa for Newcastle in search of regular football in the aftermath of Villa’s £27 million acquisition of Lucas Digne from Everton in January, although Steven Gerrard was keen for the left-back to stay and fight for his place.
The 26-year-old had been a reliable performer for Villa since joining in July 2019 and was voted Players’ Player of the Year last term. However, the Frenchman’s arrival pushed Targett down the pecking order, which led to a move to Newcastle on a loan deal.
Targett was perhaps the lowest profile signing for Newcastle United in the January transfer window. The left-back was the first of two arrivals during the dying embers on Deadline Day, joining on loan for the rest of the season before Dan Burn’s signing later on.
The Englishman has made a flying start to life on Tyneside. He has been highly impressive in his two appearances so far, playing his part in helping the Magpies string together a very successful run of results. Newcastle have gone unbeaten in their last six Premier League fixtures (W3 D3) and are four points clear of the relegation zone.
The former Southampton left-back was magnificent in Newcastle’s convincing 1-1 draw against West Ham United on Saturday. He was heavily involved in the build-up play and surged forward to good effect, while he kept an in-form Jarrod Bowen at bay.
Such was the scale of his performance that the Magpies are considering signing him on a permanent basis once the window re-opens. With Jamal Lewis currently out of Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad and unfavoured by Howe, Paul Dummett being injury-prone and Matt Ritchie not a natural left-back, making Targett’s deal permanent for a reasonable fee makes a lot of sense.
Full-backs are a crucial part of Howe’s system, with the majority of attacks built down the flanks. Targett ticks a lot of boxes – he plays progressively to bring his side up the field, as well as being defensively and positionally very sound. The 26-year-old remains under contract with Villa until 2025, and his recent showings for Newcastle will have preserved his value ahead of any prospective summer transfer discussions.
Should Targett maintain his solid form and Newcastle retain their top-flight status, which is looking increasingly likely, it would not be a surprise to see them try to prise him away from Aston Villa permanently.
