Newcastle transfer news: Toon have growing interest in Lodi as Targett doubts emerge

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There are doubts emerging over the possibility of Newcastle United re-signing Matt Targett this summer.

The left-back joined the Magpies in January, agreeing a loan deal until the end of the season. Targett has been exceptional in a black and white shirt, leading to most fans wanting him signed permanently.

The Magpies can do that for £15million, having agreed a fee as part of the loan move at the start of the year.

However, it appears that a permanent move for the 26-year-old isn’t as straightforward as anticipated.

The Northern Echo have reported that Targett is keen to live closer to his family, who remain on the South Coast. The defender was born in Eastleigh, and spent his entire youth career at Southampton.

That’s led to talk of a move to Fulham. Targett has been on loan at Craven Cottage before, helping them win promotion in 2018. The Northern Echo add that Marco Silva’s side have made contact with Targett’s representatives and Aston Villa about a deal.

Newcastle may be forced to look elsewhere. Fortunately, we have ‘growing interest’ in a Brazilian defender.

Newcastle’s Targett doubts could lead them to Renan Lodi

The Northern Echo claim that Newcastle are looking at alternative left-backs, and have a ‘growing interest’ in Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi. They also mention Mitchel Bakker, who almost joined the Magpies in January.

But Lodi is the one fans are getting excited about. The 24-year-old would be the second Brazil international to join the club this year after Bruno Guimaraes. Lodi and Bruno actually know each other, playing together as youngsters for Athletico Paranaense.

He is also a former teammate of Kieran Trippier, sharing a dressing room with him in the Spanish capital.

The Chronicle recently reported that Lodi’s camp are interested in the project at St James’ Park, and so they should be. The new owners are incredibly ambitious and want Newcastle to eventually compete at the top.

It will be disappointing if Targett doesn’t come back to the club. He’s been exceptional for us this season, settling in so quickly at SJP.

However, issues beyond our control may force him away from Newcastle, and mean we have to look at Lodi. He’s hardly a bad alternative, is he?