'Exciting' Newcastle summer transfers prediction made by man who already knows owners' vision

Matt Targett has predicted that there will be a few more 'exciting' additions at Newcastle United this summer after becoming the club's first signing of the window.

Targett put pen to paper on a four-year deal last week following a successful loan spell at St James' Park in the second half of last season. Newcastle had the option to make the temporary move permanent and Eddie Howe was keen to do so after personally telling Targett he wanted to sign the left-back before the final game of the campaign at Burnley.

The £15m deal, which included the £3m loan fee, was a no-brainer given the consistency of Targett's performances, his Premier League experience and the belief that, at 26, the new arrival is coming into his peak years. With one of Howe's priorities this summer already secured, Newcastle are now looking to step up moves for other targets elsewhere.

Howe, like most managers, likes to do the bulk of his business early in the window and Newcastle are attempting to complete complicated deals for Stade de Reims striker Hugo Ekitike and Lille defender Sven Botman this month after previously attempting to do so in January. Howe would also ideally like to add further firepower in the shape of another wide forward before the window shuts.

Regardless of who comes in, the minimum aim will be to finish in the top 10 next season, but Targett hopes to one day play in Europe for Newcastle. Given the vision Targett and his representatives have already been sold, it is clear that the Magpies will look to gradually improve the squad to achieve that long-term aim.

"What we did in that second part of the season leads into the start of next season," he told NUFC TV. "Everyone's got that feel-good factor. I'm sure there will be a few