Announcement imminent as Matt Targett takes key step towards confirming Newcastle decision

Matt Targett has reportedly completed a medical with Newcastle United ahead of making his loan move from Aston Villa a permanent transfer.

Targett was one of five new signings for Newcastle in the January transfer window, which was their first since their Saudi-backed takeover. Of the new arrivals, the left-back was the only one not to sign on a permanent basis.

Instead, Newcastle took him on a loan deal from Aston Villa for the rest of the season.

The move benefitted all parties. Aston Villa were able to sign Lucas Digne as a replacement, Targett retained regular gametime for Newcastle, who in turn climbed up the table to finish 11th.

There have been some doubts, though, about whether his transfer to Tyneside would become a permanent one. Newcastle have been linked with other options in his position, such as Renan Lodi.

However, Targett’s future is on the verge of becoming clear. According to Sky Sports News, he completed a medical with Newcastle on Wednesday.

It means they are close to putting the finishing touches on a deal for him to become theirs for good.

Having paid £3m to take him on loan originally, they will now top up their investment by paying Villa a further £12m.

Newcastle have therefore taken advantage of their right of first refusal on Targett. There were references to interest from other Premier League clubs, such as Leeds, Leicester, Wolves and Fulham.

However, Eddie Howe had always spoken enthusiastically about the 26-year-old after adding him to the Newcastle squad in January.

Likewise, Targett seems to have enjoyed his experience at St James’ Park. Now, it will be one that continues a while longer.

An official announcement should follow from Newcastle to confirm they have made Targett a permanent member of their squad.

Always made sense for Matt Targett to stay

Continuing their association makes sense for both Targett and Newcastle. He hit the ground running in the north east; therefore, it would be a waste to undo those six months of good work.

Although Newcastle’s ambition will grow over time, he is the kind of sensible signing they should be chasing at this moment in time.

He has strengthened an important area of the squad and will arrive for a relatively modest fee, compared to what Newcastle could be spending in the years to come.

At this stage of their project, Targett epitomises the type of player that can help them improve. At the age of 26, it will also be beneficial for him to spend his prime years in such an environment.

And with Villa already acquiring Digne in January, the windfall they will receive for Targett will be useful to them too. Just like the original loan, every party will benefit.

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