Matt Targett future up in the air as Newcastle place eggs in Renan Lodi basket

Renan Lodi has reportedly become Newcastle United’s main priority at left-back, throwing the future of Matt Targett up in the air.

Newcastle’s fortunes changed beyond the January window, after a poor first half of the season. Eddie Howe began to shape his squad to his liking, bringing in a number of fresh faces.

He signed Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier permanently. Howe also brought in Aston Villa left-back Targett on loan.

Each of those signings made an impact, as Newcastle climbed away from the relegation places, and eventually finished 11th. Targett missed just one league game following his loan, against Aston Villa, as he could not play against his parent club.

The left-back completed 90 minutes on every other occasion in the league for the Magpies. Indeed, his impact, along with the other signings, was clear to see.

It was reported not too long ago that Newcastle wanted to bring him in on a permanent deal. However, one journalist has stated that their priorities at left-back have changed.

“I’m told that with Targett, it’s going to be more of a secondary option,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“So, they’ve put the feelers out for [Renan] Lodi, who’s their main priority signing for that left-back side. And if that falls through, then they’re going to back to Targett.”

That would be a blow for Targett, given he had a consistent role in the side, and helped Newcastle to climb the table.

However, Lodi has performed well in La Liga and in Europe for Atletico Madrid for a while, as well as on the international stage for Brazil.

Targett has options away from Newcastle

Should Newcastle sign Lodi, Targett will still have other options away from Newcastle.

The left-back has been linked with Leeds United, Leicester City and Wolves of late. Given how he has performed at Newcastle, he should be afforded a place in the starting XI at each of those sides.

It seems unlikely that he will have a role should he return to Aston Villa. Indeed, Lucas Digne seems to have made the left-back position his own at Villa Park.

Targett’s future also seems to depend on whether or not Newcastle land Lodi. It sounds as if they have put all their eggs in the basket of the Brazilian, and for good reason, given he won La Liga two seasons ago, and continued to impress the following season.

Indeed, while Newcastle prioritising Lodi over Targett may seem harsh, given how he has served them this season, Lodi is clearly a fantastic player, and has proven that at the top level for years.

However, a deal for him is far from being done, and could end up not happening at all. In which case, Howe’s side could still pick up Targett, should he have not gone elsewhere.

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