The myriad of pointless rumours linking players to Newcastle, who cannot even think about signings until a manager is in place, keep coming.
TEAMtalk suggest the Magpies, along with several others, have spoken to Southampton with a view to signing full-back Matt Targett, who has allegedly been told he can leave the south coast side.
Fans would need an abacus to be able to keep count of the players we are supposedly tracking, approaching, talking to and signing, this summer.
As we have mentioned on numerous occasions, Newcastle’s priorities between now and the end of the month lie elsewhere.
Only when Rafa Benitez has made his decision will thoughts turn to player recruitment.
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As much as a player like Targett is a more realistic proposition for us than the likes of Donny van de Beek – who is also reportedly being watched by the Toon, it is still unlikely that he will be racing up the A1 anytime soon.
The report claims that Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester, Aston Villa and Championship side, Fulham, have also approached the Saints.
It is hard to believe that the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery would be interested in the player, making the article sound less plausible by the minute.
Targett is no better than what we already have
Paul Dummett is probably a better player than Targett, and any incoming left-back would have to be a step up from the Welsh international, or willing to battle for a starting spot.
Also, with Rafa’s preference for a three centre-back approach during much of last season, it may be a more versatile player, who can adopt to a conventional left- or wing-back role that we look to bring in.
It is already turning into a very long summer for Newcastle fans, and the constant rumour-mill is a distraction to the important issues that occupy Geordie minds right now.