Journalist now says Newcastle likely to sign 26 y/o whichever league they are in next season

Transfer insider Dean Jones has tipped Newcastle to sign Matt Targett on a permanent basis this summer.

The left-back joined from Premier League rivals Aston Villa on loan in January and has made a promising start to his Magpies career.

The £15.3m-rated defender signed new long-term contract at Villa last April, but already looks to have played his final game for the club.

Targett had been first-choice left-back for the whole of his Villa stint, but the January arrival of Lucas Digne from Everton could mark the end of his time in the Midlands after Steven Gerrard quickly made his feelings clear about wanting to upgrade on the former Southampton and Fulham left-back.

Digne’s arrival saw Targett drop to the bench, which in turn allowed him to leave and join Newcastle for the second half of the season, with Eddie Howe in desperate need of a left-back.

Targett’s loan deal runs out at the end of the current campaign, but Jones expects the 26-year-old to return on a permanent basis this summer.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The ambition is there, the money is there, and the squad that’s going to be built over the next 12 months will be impressive, no matter which league they’re in.

“So, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up joining [permanently].”

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The Toon Army will undoubtedly be hoping for more eye-catching signings than Targett, but he would still be an important addition to Howe’s squad.

He wouldn’t bring the same attention as someone like Thomas Muller or Harry Kane, who’ve both been mentioned, but given Newcastle’s struggles at left-back in recent seasons, he’s still badly needed.

He’s already made a bright start to his