‘No brainer’; Howe given hope over summer signing of player who wants to be at Newcastle
Matt Targett has hinted he would love to remain at Newcastle United beyond the terms of his current loan and hopes the clubs involved can agree a deal.
The 26-year-old made the temporary switch from Aston Villa to St James’ Park during the January transfer window. He had been at Villa Park since the summer of 2019 when the West Midlanders prised him away from Southampton. The full-back was a regular starter for the Villans during his first two seasons at the club.
The Eastleigh-born ace was given the nod 27 times in 2019-2020 and in all 38 top-flight games the following campaign. And he had made 17 starts this term before Villa chief Steven Gerrard opted to buy Lucas Digne from Everton in the winter window.
With game time likely to be at a premium, Targett was handed the opportunity to join the Magpies revolution. And he has played every minute of 10 Premier League games for Eddie Howe’s side since making a temporary switch.
The left-back has impressed during the Tynesiders’ ascent away from the relegation zone. They now sit 14th, with Sunday’s 2-1 triumph over Leicester City seeing them 12 points clear of the bottom three.
It is exciting times for the north-east giants and Targett confessed that he would like to be at the club next season and beyond.
“I’m sure and hope they can sort something out for me,” he told Chronicle Live when asked about penning permanent terms.
“For sure it (decision time) is coming closer so at the moment I am really enjoying my time here and loving playing in front of the Geordie fans here.”
Targett happy to help out
Newcastle have enjoyed a superb run since the turn of the year, with eight wins and two draws from 13 matches.
Targett has played his part but is still under contract with Villa until 2025. Reports claim Newcastle would need to fork out around £15m if they want to take him on a permanent deal.
And the former England Under-21 ace seems up for the idea of being part of the Newcastle journey.
“This was a massive challenge. I think the club were 19th in the table,” he added. “But it was a project and there was real belief that I could get here and make an impact and help the team. I think I have done that.
“With the group of players they have here already I think they were too good to be where they were. It was a no brainer to come here. Like I say I have really enjoyed my time here.”
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