- Newcastle United star impacted by Southampton Spygate saga
- Matt Targett and Middlesbrough to take part in Championship play-off final
- How EFL decision could impact summer transfer
Newcastle United defender Matt Targett has found himself embroiled in the football fallout that has captured the world this week in Southampton ‘Spygate’.
The Saints had been set to take part in the Championship play-off final against Hull City on Saturday afternoon but have now been expelled from the fixture after admitting to spying on rivals’ training sessions, in a breach of EFL rules.
Tonda Eckert’s side beat Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final earlier this month but the North East side will now take the place of Southampton in the final this weekend.
Newcastle United star feels knock-on of Southampton Spygate scandal
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The Spygate scandal has not had any immediate consequences at St James’ Park but has had a knock-on effect for one Magpies player in Targett.
The 30-year-old has spent the season on loan at the Riverside Stadium and been a prominent figure under both Rob Edwards and Kim Helberg. Targett has made 45 appearances across all competitions for Boro.
The defender, who is out of contract at Newcastle this summer, will have been preparing to choose his next venture once his season appeared to have ended with play-off semi-final defeat on May 12.
However, Targett and Middlesbrough are now back in the play-offs after a sensational turn of events, with a victory offering a lucrative sum to the club.
The Championship play-off final is estimated to be worth more than £200 million to a club, thanks to the income that would come with promotion to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough could get Matt Targett permanent transfer boost
Targett has not only had his short-term future impacted by Spygate, but the expulsion of Southampton could also have a longer term impact on his career.
Soon to be a free agent, the former Aston Villa man is not set to be short of suitors this summer. Leeds United and Everton are both looking at a summer move to bring Targett back to the Premier League.
Returning to the top flight will no doubt be a priority for Targett, who cost Newcastle £15 million. Football Insider have also claimed that Middlesbrough would ‘love’ to sign the defender permanently.
Targett has flourished at the Riverside Stadium but the club may struggle to convince the player to return for another Championship campaign, with Premier League offers on the table. Spygate and a potential return to the top flight, would be a major boost for Boro transfer hopes.
In other news, Newcastle United just made the right decision over Nick Woltemade’s future.
