Matt Targett recently turned his loan move permanent at Newcastle United after an impressive temporary stint. The 26-year-old joined the Magpies in January and played in 16 of Newcastle’s last 17 Premier League games, so he quickly restored his reputation after falling out of favour under Steven Gerrard.

Gabriel Agbonlahor understands why Targett needed to leave Villa after Lucas Digne was signed from Everton, saying the 26-year-old’s face didn’t fit under new management. He told Football Insider: “I think when you bring in someone like Lucas Digne you don’t need someone like Targett.

“You don’t need two top left-backs. I rate Targett, I think he’s a good player – but I think this one suited both parties. Sometimes managers come in and don’t rate certain players, and maybe Steven Gerrard thought he could do better than Matt Targett so he brought in another left-back.”

The 26-year-old made 89 appearances in all competitions for Villa (2019 – 2022), scoring three goals with five assists. Targett was a great servant under Dean Smith but didn’t manage to impress Gerrard in the two months before being loaned out.

He’s landed on his feet at Newcastle, however, so the uncapped Englishman proved he’s good enough to be at a top-half Premier League side and is back getting regular playing time. Villa will be pleased to make back £15m from his sale and are happy with Digne’s start to life in the Midlands, so all parties benefit from the deal.

In other news, Noel Whelan says Emi Buendia is ‘most likely to leave’ Aston Villa this summer