Brutal Newcastle United squad call hints at Aston Villa summer transfer raid

Newcastle United are reportedly set to sanction a loan move away from the club for left-back Jamal Lewis.

Lewis, according to The Telegraph, is 'heading' out on loan to a team overseas with the transfer window still open on the continent after the domestic market ceased trading at 11pm on Monday night.

Matt Targett's deadline day arrival from Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season may prompt a departure from St James' Park for Lewis only a year-and-a-half after a £15 million move from Norwich City with the player left out of Newcastle's 25-man squad for the rest of the season.

The 24 year-old has only started four Premier League games all season with Paul Dummett playing the last couple of games at left-back and Javier Manquillo has also played in that position.

So too has Matt Ritchie but Targett is expected to become the Magpies' first-choice at left-back and it would be no surprise to see Eddie Howe's side make a permanent move for the player in the summer.

Targett was behind January signing Lucas Digne before he moved to Newcastle and it is likely to be in the 2019 signing from Southampton's best interests to seek a long-term departure from Villa Park when the season ends.

With Dummett out of contract in the summer and Lewis set for a move away Newcastle are likely to make a permanent move for Targett if he improves sufficiently.

“We have gone into this transfer window with a plan to add strong competition in specific areas of the team and Matt will be a fantastic option for us on the left,” Howe said of his move for Targett.

“He has important Premier League experience and know-how at this level, so I’m really pleased we’ve been able to add him to the squad.”

Villa boss Steven Gerrard spoke of his enthusiasm