How Matt Targett's Newcastle move could hold the keys to Steven Gerrard's dream Aston Villa signing

Newcastle United had a busy January transfer window as the club's new owners worked day-and-night to overhaul Eddie Howe's squad and give them the best chance to remain in the Premier League. The headline incomings were Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes, as the club splashed on international stars to give the new era a strong start.

However, two key incomings were domestic signings in Dan Burn - a permanent signing from Brighton for a fee of £13million - and a loan deal for Aston Villa's Matt Targett. Both have gone on to play their parts in transforming the form and fortunes of Howe's defence and without them, the Magpies would likely still be in relegation danger.

It is hoped that a permanent deal will be signed off on for Targett, with a deal of £15million said to have been agreed for the 26-year-old. According to Birmingham Live, that sale could be central to Steven Gerrard getting his own transfer wish at Aston Villa.

That's because Gerrard is set on Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips as his top transfer target. The England international is reported to have a price tag of £60million, which is not a fee the Villains can afford without sales.

As such, they hope to raise at least £40million of that fee through sales of their own, with the £15million expected to be received for Targett one of the larger fees they will bring in.

Keinan Davis, Anwar El Ghazi, Frederic Guilbert & Trezeguet are also marked as players who could bring in fees but none are expected to command the kind of fee Newcastle would pay for Targett. Should Villa need to sell any more players, Douglas Luiz could leave as he may attract sizeable bids, whilst Bertrand Traore and Morgan Sanson would also be considered as potential options to raise the