Newcastle transfer news: Magpies keen on Aston Villa’s Matt Targett

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Newcastle are reportedly closing in on Aston Villa defender Matt Targett, with the player likely to have a medical for the club this morning.

That is according to 90min, who claim things have progressed well between the two clubs over the weekend.

The player is out of favour at Villa Park.

The Villans recently signed Lucas Digne, a player who was of course linked with Newcastle for a while.

Ashley Young is also capable of playing there, as is Calum Chambers, who just signed from Arsenal.

Targett has made 19 appearances so far this season. Seemingly though, Digne will now assume the title of number one left-back. Since his arrival he has already started both games under Steven Gerrard.

There is therefore a reasonable chance for Newcastle to swoop on Targett. The player’s representatives were apparently on Tyneside on Sunday, and Targett is likely to follow them for a medical this morning.

Newcastle have found the acquisition of a new left-back quite difficult this month.

Mitchel Bakker, Robin Gosens and Rogerio have all been linked with moves to St. James’ Park.

Matt Targett would be a great signing by Newcastle

Targett would be a cracking addition by Newcastle if they can pull off the deal.

The star carries a much better attacking threat than the likes of Jamal Lewis, Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett.

Between him and Kieran Trippier, Newcastle would have two full-backs who are really good at whipping balls into the box.

Potentially, they would help to get Chris Wood firing.

But Targett – who cost Villa £11 million (Sky Sports) – is also fairly decent defensively, which is obviously a crucial thing given how porous Newcastle have been this season.

It seems Villa are willing to negotiate, and it certainly helps Newcastle that Villa have good cover in the left-back position.

It is not out of the question though that Gerrard could still put up a fight to keep the ace. He did call both him and Digne ‘top-class’ recently, and said Targett had ‘pedigree’ (via Express & Star).