Matt Targett joined Newcastle United on loan from Aston Villa in January and took little time to impress in the North-East. The 26-year-old fell down the pecking order at Villa this season due to poor form under Steven Gerrard, but he’s since turned things around at St James’ Park and looks a brilliant acquisition.
Targett doesn’t appear to have a future in the Midlands, as Gerrard signed Lucas Digne from Everton to be first-choice left-back. This means Targett will likely be available for transfer at the end of the season. And while Newcastle will linked with a move to turn his loan deal permanent, Frank McAvennie believes they’ll aim higher.
He doesn’t think the Magpies will sign Targett from Villa because they’ll have their sights set on bigger targets, telling Football Insider: “He won’t be there next season. Newcastle won’t be signing him. At the end of the season, he will get a handshake then he will be on his way. Newcastle will be looking for the big boys to come and join them.
“I mean, you read some of the names they have been linked with, incredible. I just don’t see him being there. He is a good player, he’s proved that. I think Newcastle will be looking for far better players to push them up the table.”
Targett has only made only two appearances for Newcastle, playing a full 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over Everton and 1-1 draw with West Ham United – the 26-year-old was given a player rating of 8/10 by Chronicle Live for his performance against Everton and was given a player rating of 8/10 by Chronicle Live for his performance against West Ham.
Newcastle may yet be interested in signing Targett permanently, even over more marketable players, because his performance level will be the deciding factor.
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