Eddie Howe likely to look elsewhere as new suitors emerge for Newcastle loan star

A report claims the loan move Matt Targett made from Aston Villa to Newcastle United is unlikely to become permanent this summer.

The 26-year-old was one of several players recruited by Eddie Howe during the January transfer window. The left-back penned a six-month loan deal at St James’ Park. And he has seen plenty of action, with seven Premier League starts.

The former Southampton star enjoyed 17 top-flight outings for Villa in the first half of the campaign. And he has impressed since moving to the north east.

Targett has helped the Magpies pull away from the relegation zone. They now sit 14th in the standings, with 31 points from 29 games played.

That is despite losing their last two outings to Chelsea and Everton – both by a scoreline of 1-0. Newcastle now have funds to become serious players in the transfer market.

The Saudi-backed takeover means the days of austerity under Mike Ashley are now firmly in the rear-view mirror. Therefore, Villa’s asking price of around £15m for Targett would not be an issue.

But journalist Dean Jones has questioned whether Howe is going to pursue a permanent move for the defender.

“Matt Targett’s future is up in the air at the moment,” he told GIVEMESPORT. “There is a possibility that he will join Newcastle but, at the moment, it doesn’t seem likely.”

It is unclear if Villa chief Steven Gerrard sees Targett in his long-term plans. Lucas Digne’s arrival seemed to signal the end of his spell in claret and blue.

And rumours persist that the Eastleigh-born ace would be allowed to leave the West Midlands at the end of the season.

He is under contract at Villa Park until the summer of 2015, meaning the Villans hold all the aces in negotiations.

Fulham look on course for an immediate return