Matt Targett hints at permanent Newcastle move as defender reacts to Lucas Digne transfer

Matt Targett has delivered an honest admission about his loan switch to Newcastle in January, as well as reacting to Lucas Digne’s arrival at Aston Villa.

Targett’s future at Villa Park came under immediate threat following the appointment of Steven Gerrard. The manager wanted to bring in a new left-back to bolster his options.

The Villans went on to sign Digne from Everton for £25million, as per BBC Sport. That came after the France international had fallen out with then Toffees boss Rafa Benitez.

Targett has been a reliable performer for Villa since joining in July 2019, but he knew his opportunities would be limited with Digne in the squad.

As such, the 26-year-old linked up with Newcastle to aid their survival push. He made his debut in the 3-1 victory over Everton last week.

Targett could be in line for a permanent St James’ Park move in the summer, and his latest comments back up those suggestions.

During an interview with talkSPORT (via the Birmingham Mail), Targett revealed he ‘doesn’t want to be sitting on the bench’, something which is likely to happen if he returns to Villa.

Matt Targett talks Villa exit

“It was a difficult decision because obviously I was pretty much the only left-back last season,” Targett said. “I knew the club wanted to sign a left-back, I was quite surprised when they signed someone like Lucas Digne.

“Obviously he was out there at the time and the club had to do what they had to do. It was quite hard to take when they signed someone of that calibre – but if that’s where the club wants to go then I completely respect that.

“But at the same time, I’m 26 and I don’t want to be sitting on the bench. I want to look back on my career knowing that I’ve played as many Premier League games as possible.

“So that was probably one of the main reasons.”

Newcastle plan record transfer

Meanwhile, Newcastle are reportedly ready to go all out to land Fabian Ruiz this summer, although their efforts to sign him could be hindered by Arsenal.

As per Calciomercato, Newcastle are ready to make a fresh approach to lure Ruiz to St James’ Park.

The Italian outlet claims the Magpies made contact with Napoli over a potential deal in January. And while their advances were swatted away, Calciomercato states it could be a different story come the summer.

And with his deal heading towards its final 12 months, a sizeable offer will likely tempt Napoli to cash in.

However, the Magpies may not have it all their own way over Ruiz.

That’s as Calciomercato claims Arsenal could yet make a play for the midfielder with Mikel Arteta a huge admirer.

READ MORE: Newcastle pose transfer threat to title-chasing side facing double deprivation