Eddie Howe likely to look elsewhere as new suitors emerge for Newcastle loan star

A report claims the loan move Matt Targett made from Aston Villa to Newcastle United is unlikely to become permanent this summer.

The 26-year-old was one of several players recruited by Eddie Howe during the January transfer window. The left-back penned a six-month loan deal at St James’ Park. And he has seen plenty of action, with seven Premier League starts.

The former Southampton star enjoyed 17 top-flight outings for Villa in the first half of the campaign. And he has impressed since moving to the north east.

Targett has helped the Magpies pull away from the relegation zone. They now sit 14th in the standings, with 31 points from 29 games played.

That is despite losing their last two outings to Chelsea and Everton – both by a scoreline of 1-0. Newcastle now have funds to become serious players in the transfer market.

The Saudi-backed takeover means the days of austerity under Mike Ashley are now firmly in the rear-view mirror. Therefore, Villa’s asking price of around £15m for Targett would not be an issue.

But journalist Dean Jones has questioned whether Howe is going to pursue a permanent move for the defender.

“Matt Targett’s future is up in the air at the moment,” he told GIVEMESPORT. “There is a possibility that he will join Newcastle but, at the moment, it doesn’t seem likely.”

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It is unclear if Villa chief Steven Gerrard sees Targett in his long-term plans. Lucas Digne’s arrival seemed to signal the end of his spell in claret and blue.

And rumours persist that the Eastleigh-born ace would be allowed to leave the West Midlands at the end of the season.

He is under contract at Villa Park until the summer of 2015, meaning the Villans hold all the aces in negotiations.

Fulham have eyes on Targett

Fulham look on course for an immediate return to the top flight after relegation in 2020-2021. They finished 18th at the end of that campaign – 11 points from safety.

But the west Londoners have enjoyed an inspired season in the Championship and are eight points clear at the top of the table. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s amazing tally of 35 second-tier goals has driven their success.

Manager Marco Silva will be seeking class additions should they step up to the next level in 2022-2023. And recent reports claim the Cottagers have already made enquiries about luring Targett to Craven Cottage.

The former England Under-21 star is no stranger to Fulham fans. He spent the second half of 2017-18 on loan with the capital outfit, making 21 appearances in all competitions.

Only time will tell if he is willing to re-join a club that could be struggling near the foot of the table next term. Newcastle will have their eyes on bigger things in the future if they do manage to beat the drop.

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