Newcastle have asked Aston Villa about signing Matt Targett before the end of the transfer window, according to 90Min.
Eddie Howe is apparently looking at beefing up his backline and wants more beyond the seemingly impending signing of Diego Carlos.
Howe has already signed a right-back this month in the shape of Kieran Trippier and is eyeing Targett on the other side of his defence.
Targett cost Villa £11.5 million as per the Express and Star in July 2019 but his status at the club could have been impacted by the arrival of Lucas Digne.
Newcastle were reportedly interested in the Frenchman but he opted to go to Villa when he left Everton.
The irony for Digne is that he left Goodison Park because of a falling out with former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez, only for the Spaniard to be sacked within a matter of days anyway.
The whole situation could work in Newcastle’s favour if they can land the Englishman, however.
Newcastle have actually been linked with Targett before.
In June 2019, when Targett was still a Southampton player, he was linked but uncertainty over the managerial situation at the time meant the rumour was a non-starter.
There were a host of clubs interested and he went to Villa, where he has stayed ever since.
At the time, we wrote that he was no better than Paul Dummett, but Howe seems to feel he would be an upgrade this month if he is achieveable.
There is no mention in the report of what Villa’s stance is on selling him, so we will have to wait and see how this one develops.
- NEW! Download the TalkingPoints App, create your own newsfeed and join the conversation
- Ewen Jaouen reveals immediate thoughts on Newcastle United’s training ground after signing
- Kieran Maguire’s verdict on PIF selling Newcastle United after LIV Golf U-turn
- Fabrizio Romano confirms Ewen Jaouen transfer fee as Newcastle United close in
- Progress at last as Newcastle United completely revamp their transfer stance
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
