'Highest level' - Aston Villa man sparks talk of permanent Newcastle United transfer

Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett has made an impressive start to life as a Newcastle United player after he joined the club on loan in January.

The 26-year-old has started two games for his new club and has impressed in both showings against Everton and West Ham.

Targett, of course, missed Newcastle's 1-0 win over Villa last week as he was ineligible to feature against his parent club.

But he has made a significant contribution during Newcastle's solid run of form which has taken them out of the relegation zone following an unbeaten run of form which extended to five games following the draw at West Ham on Saturday.

Targett left Villa for Newcastle in search of regular football following the £25million arrival of Lucas Digne from Everton in January, although Steven Gerrard was happy for the left-back to remain in his squad. His recent showings for his new club have, however, protected his value ahead of any potential summer transfer negotiations.

Newcastle could try to make Targett’s move to Tyneside permanent in the summer, and Eddie Howe was asked about his performances after the game at the London Stadium.

"I thought Matty was very, very good today," Howe said.

"I think in the two performances he’s given, he’s been very, very confident, and slipped into the team very impressively.

"He used the ball well, I thought he attacked well. He put a lot of balls in the box, and just his general, all-round game, his defending was of the highest level, in my opinion."