Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa shortly after agreeing on a deal for Ligue 1 star Hugo Ekitike.
According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies are closing in on the Premier League left-back, with a board agreement now in place for Targett to join Newcastle.
The deal will be a straight loan, with Targett set for a medical at Newcastle in the coming hours as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Targett could be the second player Newcastle sign today, with Downie reporting earlier in the morning that Eddie Howe’s side are also close to signing Ekitike on a permanent deal from Stade Reims.
The arrival of Targett will be a welcome boost for Newcastle, with left-back a position that has needed some serious work on for some time.
Targett has been a regular for Villa since arriving from Southampton. However, since the arrival of Lucas Digne this January, it is clear that the English defender could be better off moving to another club where first-team opportunities will be more likely.
Loan move for Targett is smart business from Newcastle
It might now be the most glamorous signing Newcastle will make this January, but Targett on loan could be a deal that goes a long way in the Toon’s attempt to escape relegation down to the Championship.
The left-back has been a regular in the Premier League for several seasons, and Targett’s experience and quality could be crucial in shoring up the defence and keeping the Newcastle backline more secure as we head into the second half of the Premier League season.
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