Leeds, Leicester, and Wolves are all chasing the signature of Matt Targett from Aston Villa after his loan spell at Newcastle, according to a report.
The former Southampton man is currently plying his trade for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and has helped them avoid relegation from the Premier League. It looked certain that they would be fighting for their lives until the final day before the January window rolled around.
Newcastle were rock bottom of the Premier League before Howe took over, but they now reside in 9th, 14 points clear of the drop zone. Targett has been an ever present in the Magpies squad, starting in 12 of 13 games since joining.
However, his future is somewhat up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to 90min, Newcastle and Villa have an agreement for Targett to move permanently to St James’ Park ahead of next season.
Although Leeds, Leicester and Wolves are now reportedly hoping to snap the 26-year-old up. For now, though, Targett would prefer to stay at Newcastle having adapted well to his switch of club.
And 90min adds that Magpies boss Howe is the ‘driving force’ behind the transfer push for the full-back.
Targett was a reliable fixture during his time at Villa. However, he knew he would struggle for game time once manager Steven Gerrard signed Lucas Digne from Everton in January.
Matt Targett consistency could appeal
One of Targett’s key qualities that he possesses is the consistency he has shown throughout his time in the league. In the two and a half years he was at Villa he made 89 appearances, including playing all 38 Premier League games last term.
This reliability is something that the Leeds squad in general has been lacking after they have had a season riddled with injuries. They have had to rely on their academy players such as Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood to fill in the gaps.
And while this is a key part of their remit, so too is having experienced players to fall back on.
Targett has contributed to 13…