Matt Targett tells Aston Villa exactly what he wants to happen this summer

Matt Targett wants to make his loan at Newcastle United into a permanent deal this summer. The left-back was quick to depart Aston Villa in January having been upset at Steven Gerrard’s decision to bring in £25 million Lucas Digne as direct competition.

Target was dropped as soon as Digne arrived and, within two weeks, flew up to St James’ Park to complete a loan deal. He’s since played every single minute under Eddie Howe other than against Villa in February, when he was ineligible. Targett has drawn rave reviews from Toon supporters who are desperate to see him sign permanently for a fixed fee of £13 million.

After Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Monday, Target was asked if he’d like to stay and sign on permanent terms. He replied: “I think everyone knows what I want, but it’s up to the club. It’s a massive project, an exciting project, and I’m sure everyone wants to be a part of it.

“I’ve loved every single minute of my time here. It’s been an incredible place to play my football. I’ve loved every second of it.”

Pushed on what happens next in terms of his future, Targett laughed: “We’ll see. It's up to the club, the owners have got so much money and I'm sure they could go get anyone they want.

"But it's a very exciting project, and if I'm here next season then brilliant, but if I'm not then I'll be looking from afar and hoping the club does well. No matter what happens, if I'm here next season or not, I'll always look back on my time at Newcastle as very successful having helped keep this great club in the Premier League.”

Speaking previously on Targett’s abrupt move to the North East, Villa boss Gerrard explained: “This was his decision. When we were linked with Lucas (Digne), I had a conversation with Matt.