Matt Targett has told Chronicle Live he hopes Newcastle United can agree personal terms with his agent soon so he can make his loan transfer from Aston Villa a permanent move.
Eddie Howe added Targett to his St James’ Park ranks in the January window as he sought to strengthen his defence. Kieran Trippier arrived to bolster the Magpies’ options at right-back, before Dan Burn later left Brighton to improve the central options in the Toon ranks.
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Left-back had proven to be a somewhat problem position for Howe during his first months in charge on Tyneside. Jamal Lewis began his tenure as the first-choice, but fell to the sides after a hamstring injury. Howe then omitted the 24-year-old from his top-flight squad list.
Targett ensured Howe could afford to leave Lewis out of his plans and has since started all 10 available games. The only Newcastle match the 26-year-old has sat out since moving to the North East was with his parent club, when Aston Villa lost 1-0 at St James’ in February.
The Magpies obtained a £15m option to make the former England U21 international’s loan a permanent arrangement. But the clause will need Targett’s blessing as the Newcastle ace still has three years still to run on his £35k-a-week contract with Aston Villa signed in 2021.
Targett penned a two-year extension last April after a strong first two years in Birmingham after leaving Southampton for £11m. But Steven Gerrard replacing Dean Smith at the helm and signing Lucas Digne saw the Saints product fall out of favour to the £25m Frenchman.
Aston Villa loanee Targett admits decision on Newcastle future ‘coming closer’
Howe need not worry that Targett could look to return to Aston Villa after his loan transfer at Newcastle, though. The full-back hopes the Toon make progress in agreeing on personal terms with his agent swiftly, as joining the Magpies was a ‘no-brainer’ in the winter market.
“I’m sure and hope they can sort something out for me,” Targett expressed. “For sure, it is coming closer. So, at the moment, I am really enjoying my time here and loving playing in front of the Geordie fans here.
“This was a massive challenge, I think the club were 19th in the table [when I joined]. 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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