Matt Targett joined Newcastle United on loan on transfer deadline day – but there’s no guarantee he’ll stay beyond this season.
The left-back has arrived from Aston Villa on a temporary deal for the rest of the season. He was one of two signings made on Monday, with Dan Burn joining permanently from Brighton.
But Targett’s move is only a loan, with the 26-year-old falling down the pecking order at Villa Park after Lucas Digne’s arrival.
He was a player Newcastle targeted after a fallout with then-Everton boss Rafa Benitez. So the former Toon manager has inadvertently helped the Magpies sign a left-back – just not the one they initially targeted.
But Targett is a solid signing with stacks of Premier League experience. However, there is no guarantee he will become a permanent Newcastle player in the summer.
No Matt Targett agreement in place between Newcastle and Aston Villa
According to the Athletic, Newcastle have not agreed a future fee for Targett with Aston Villa. They do not have an option to buy the defender, nor an obligation.
That can either be good or bad, depending on how you want to look at it.
On the plus side, it means we aren’t going to be forced to sign a player who may not perform well at St James’ Park. There’s no guarantee he’ll prove to be better than what we’ve already got.
In contrast, it means Villa can charge a potentially bigger price in the summer if Targett does well and Newcastle decide they want him permanently.
For now though, Targett’s focus will be the rest of the season. And that’s all that matters to Newcastle too. He could make his debut on Tuesday night at home to Everton.
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