Newcastle boss Eddie Howe lauds ‘outstanding’ Matt Targett as summer transfer plans hinted at

Eddie Howe has reiterated Newcastle’s interest in signing loanee Matt Targett in the upcoming transfer window, lauding the left-back as ‘outstanding’.

Howe has drastically changed the fortunes of the Magpies and is among the contenders for Premier League manager of the season. The former Bournemouth manager has gained 41 points since joining Newcastle, which has ensured their safety.

In the January transfer window, Newcastle were among the biggest spenders in Europe. Howe’s side spent around £90million pounds, but loan signing Targett has been one of the stars in the camp.

The left-back was Aston Villa’s first choice in the first half of the season. When Steven Gerrard took over, however, he decided change was needed and signed Lucas Digne from Everton.

With Digne’s arrival, Targett would’ve struggled for minutes. The Magpies came swooping in for the 26-year-old and, since then, he has been a vital cog in Howe’s machine.

Howe has now had his say on the likelihood of Targett joining Newcastle permanently.

“I’ll be sitting down with all my players and discussing the future – and it’ll be the same with Matt,” he said in Friday’s press conference.

“He’s been outstanding. I view him as an integral member of the squad.

“We really, really like him. He’s gelled with the squad.”

Howe on Dean Henderson rumours

Due to their newfound wealth, Newcastle are consistently linked with a plethora of players.

One name that has regularly been popping up is Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. The England international has been out of favour this season as David De Gea has been at the top of his game.

Newcastle eager to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is one of Newcastle United’s main targets this summer and they want to push the deal through early

Newcastle are rumoured to be on the lookout for a new number one despite Martin Dubravka amassing eight clean sheets so far in the Premier League.

The Newcastle manager has, however, quashed the rumours by stating no signings are yet close.

He added: “We’re not close to signing anyone at this moment in time. That’s far from the truth.”

What lies ahead for Newcastle?

The Magpies will no doubt be making some additions this summer to bolster their ranks. The club looked destined to go down after just winning one game before Howe joined but some January signings helped revive their fortunes.

They may even be contending for European places in the near future, if they can make the correct signings.

Howe has spoken about his plans for the summer, claiming he is already starting to think about what will happen.

He said: “I’ve got half an eye on the summer and preparing and planning to make that summer as cohesive as we can and try and get everything organised, but we’ve got a game to play.

“I want my squad to be confident, ambitious. They have to believe in big things and we have to set targets internally.

“We also have to manage the expectation around the team. We don’t want them to play under an unnecessary burden and pressure.”

Newcastle face Howe’s former club Burnley on Sunday in what could prove to be the demise of their opponents, as the relegation Newcastle have avoided is still possible for Mike Jackson’s group.

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