Fulham make approach for £15m Newcastle star’s transfer – Eddie Howe’s stance

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Fulham have now contacted Newcastle United to discuss a last-gasp transfer for Matt Targett. But Magpies boss Eddie Howe has blocked the left-back from leaving his side.

That is according to TEAMtalk, which reports that Fulham have approached Newcastle about a loan transfer for Targett. Marco Silva is eager to improve the Cottagers’ options at full-back before the sales shut. But his team have missed out on multiple targets, including Lewis Hall.

Newcastle secured an initial loan deal for Hall this Tuesday that includes an obligation to buy the 18-year-old for £35m. Fulham tried to rival the Tyneside outfit for the left-back’s transfer from Chelsea. He now gives Howe a further option to Targett, Dan Burn and Paul Dummett.

Howe was quick to reject Fulham’s approach for Targett’s transfer

The competition to play at left-back at Newcastle tempted Silva to turn Fulham’s interest to a transfer for Targett. Talks have taken place between the two teams on the potential of a loan deal. But Howe was quick to step in and block their negotiations from advancing any further.

Despite his wealth of options and after rarely playing Targett last term, Howe has no desire to let him leave. The Toon boss still views his £15m signing from Aston Villa in June 2022 as an important part of his plans. So, Newcastle have also now told Fulham to shop elsewhere.

Newcastle to retain Targett despite the left-back seldom featuring

Targett, who Howe called ‘outstanding’ in May 2022 while on loan from the Villans, featured just 19 times in 2022/23. He further only played in 17 Premier League fixtures and started in only six. The Eastleigh native ended the campaign with 737 minutes of action to his name.

He is even yet to see the pitch this season after the Magpies’ first two games of the Premier League term. Howe has only left Targett on Newcastle’s bench against Aston Villa and away to Manchester City. Burn started as the Toon’s left-back in both matches before Hall arrived.