Matt Targett is likely to leave Aston Villa this summer after being replaced by Everton’s Lucas Digne and then being loaned out to Newcastle United in January. It remains to be seen whether St James’ Park is his next destination, however, as Eddie Howe is weighing up alternatives at left-back.
Targett impressed on loan at Newcastle and didn’t hide his hope of turning the move permanent, but Paddy Kenny doesn’t think it will happen. He told Football Insider: “I don’t think Targett stays (at Villa) after everything that has happened. Whether Newcastle choose to sign him or not. It looks like they won’t be doing that. He’s been incredible for Newcastle since he joined them.”
Targett joined Villa from Southampton in 2019 and has gone on to make 89 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals with five assists. The 26-year-old, who represented England at U21 level, made 19 appearances for Villa before being loaned out to Newcastle, featuring 16 times.
Targett was outstanding in the North-East and can join Newcastle permanently for £15m, but Howe won’t commit to a deal amid interest in Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi. The 26-year-old doesn’t provide as much of an attacking threat as Howe would like, but he’s defensively sound and won’t break the bank.
In other news, here’s what Aston Villa can expect from new signing Diego Carlos
