Newcastle United reportedly have the option of signing Aston Villa’s Matt Targett on a permanent deal in the summer for £15million.
Chronicle Live report that the left-back is lined up to be the Magpies’ first signing in the summer transfer window.
Villa, who signed Lucas Digne from Everton in January, are already planning for life without Targett and are exploring other options to be their back up left-back.
The £15million fee has been agreed between the two Premier League clubs and after an impressive start to life on Tyneside, PIF are likely to make Targett’s stay at St James’ Park a permanent one. A £15million deal would make him the club’s joint most expensive defender, alongside Jamal Lewis who also cost £15million.
The 26-year-old has started all four of the Premier League games he was available to play in. Newcastle’s number 13 was unable to face Steve Gerrard’s side due to him being ineligible to face his parent club.
Targett is set to return to St Mary’s on Thursday and face Southampton – the club that he started his career at.
Alongside Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier, Targett has significantly improved and boosted our backline, which was one of the leakiest in the league.
But since Tripper, PIF’s first Newcastle signing, arrived in January, Newcastle have conceded just four goals in seven top-flight matches.
Targett was asked last month by NUFC TV about his future plans, to which he responded: “I’m just focusing on my own performances and helping the team make sure we don’t get relegated.
“Whatever happens after that happens, but I’m really enjoying my time here.”
Eddie Howe’s January signings have helped transformed the club’s fortunes and it looks like Matt Targett will become the first piece of business in the summer market.
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