Five left-backs Newcastle United could sign as Matt Targett contingency plan

Matt Targett has proven to be a shrewd acquisition since his January arrival from Aston Villa. A failed move for Everton’s Lucas Digne - who replaced the 26-year-old in Steven Gerrard’s side - is turning out to be a blessing in disguise.

Newcastle United capitalised on a player desperate for first-team football by luring Targett to Tyneside on loan. Since then, he has started all but one game - the 1-0 win against his parent club - to cement himself as one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s team sheet.

The Magpies' vulnerabilities at left-back were often exposed before his arrival, with Matt Ritchie incapable of playing in a four-man defence, Paul Dummett’s injury woes continuing and Jamal Lewis deemed surplus to requirements. Now, Newcastle have a player who is an established Premier League-level operator at the peak of his powers - but for how long for?

ChronicleLive understands a potential £15million deal is already in place at the end of the season. However, in February, Targett refused to be drawn into speculation regarding his future, insisting he is focusing on the ‘here and now.’

Toon chiefs will undoubtedly have a contingency plan if a deal for the defender were to fall through. Here, we profile five alternatives the Magpies could move for if that were to happen.

Wijndal is excelling for AZ Alkmaar and, at 22-years-old, has already made nearly 100 Eredivisie appearances. With 11 Netherlands caps to his name, he would come with experience despite his tender age. Dutch giants Ajax are reportedly interested in Wijndal - who has made nine assists from defence this season.

His arrival would be one for the here and now but his ceiling is yet to be reached. Analytic site transfermarkt value him at £10.8million. With