Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett felt signing for Eddie Howe’s team in a permanent transfer from Aston Villa was a ‘no-brainer’, despite him also earning interest from Fulham.
Matt Targett felt Newcastle transfer was a ‘no-brainer’ despite Fulham interest
Matt Targett has revealed, via quotes by Chronicle Live, that interest from Fulham was not enough to sway his desire to sign for Newcastle United in a permanent transfer from Aston Villa this summer, with the defender agreeing to a £15m move after an initial spell on loan.
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Eddie Howe initially hired the 26-year-old in January after he fell out of favour at Villa Park, with Steven Gerrard buying Lucas Digne from Everton for £25m. Targett would prove a hit on Tyneside over 16 Premier League games, and has now added a further four this season.
Targett immediately added an ever-reliable option at full-back, as Howe stamped his mark on the St James’ Park ranks. His endless grit and determination has afforded the Toon boss a genuine threat on the left-hand channel from deep, and provides balance to his backline.
The Eastleigh-born dynamo has been a real attacking outlet through a flurry of dangerous deliveries that the Magpies are yet to take advantage of. After his 21 outings in black-and-white in all competitions, Targett is still yet to lay on a single assist and is also yet to score.
Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi influential in transfer decision
Targett’s efforts over his first 16 games with Newcastle whilst on loan from Aston Villa saw Fulham show an interest in battling Howe for a transfer on the back of securing promotion into the Premier League, as Marco Silva sought to improve his Championship winning side.
But Targett has now revealed that the input of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, plus his experience of living on Tyneside, made any interest in west London a moot point.
“I really enjoyed my football,” Targett said of his initial loan spell at Newcastle. “Yeah, I like the city, I like what it’s got to offer. It was a no-brainer [to join the Magpies permanently].
“For sure, in terms of where the owners want to take the club [played a part]. I believe it’s the start of something which is going to be really, really big. It’ll be nice to look back on my career and say: ‘I’ve played for Newcastle United’.”
Former England Under 21 international, Targett, agreed to pen a four-year contract as part of his permanent transfer from Aston Villa in July, which Spotrac value at just £35k-a-week.
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