Matt Targett opens up on Aston Villa exit and 'hopes' for permanent Newcastle switch

Aston Villa left back Matt Targett is currently on loan at Newcastle United and has revealed he hopes to make the switch a permanent one ahead of the summer transfer window.

Targett, 26, decided to depart Villa in January after they announced the signing of Lucas Digne from Everton for a fee up which could reach £27 million including add ons. Newcastle reportedly inserted a clause that would allow Targett to join the Magpies on a permanent basis for around £15 million this summer, but the deal would have to be sanctioned by the player, who has three years left on his current deal at Villa.

Since arriving Targett has played every minute of Premier League football for Eddie Howe's side and helped steer the club away from relegation and above Villa in the table whilst doing so. The move has proven to be a successful one for Targett, who has captured the hearts of Newcastle fans and possibly the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate.

Speaking to ChronicleLive, Targett commented on his future, where he stated: "I'm sure and hope they can sort something out for me. For sure it (decision time) is coming closer so at the moment I am really enjoying my time here and loving playing in front of the Geordie fans here."

Targett then went on to comment about whether he could have predicted an exit from Villa at the start of the season. Where he issued the following statement: "No. But since I have been in football I have seen so many things change so quickly.

"That's just the way it is. A new manager came in and he might fancy you, so you look elsewhere. This was a massive challenge. I think the club were 19th in the table.

"But it was a project and there was real belief that I could get here and make an impact and help the