Newcastle: Eddie Howe 'has now decided' on £15m signing at St James' Park

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has decided to push ahead with a big-money deal which will see Aston Villa full-back Matt Targett remain at St James’ Park on a permanent basis, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Targett joined the Magpies on loan until the end of the season on deadline day of the January transfer window, but it appears he could remain on Tyneside instead of returning to Villa Park.

Targett was allowed to head to St James’ Park after Villa head coach Steven Gerrard opted to sign Lucas Digne in a deal worth up to £25million from Everton.

According to 90min, Newcastle and Targett’s parent club already have a broad agreement in place that would see the 26-year-old make his loan switch permanent for £15million.

The report suggests Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United also hold an interest in Targett and are ready to pounce if he does not remain with the Magpies, but it is understood that he would prefer to stay on Tyneside.

Although Targett’s £35,000-per-week Villa Park contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2025, it seems his stint in the Midlands is over.

With Newcastle becoming the world’s richest football club thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund completing a £305million takeover last October, it is likely that the 26-year-old would stand to secure a more lucrative contract at St James’ Park.

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Jones understands Newcastle boss Howe is eager to ensure Targett remains on board beyond the end of the current campaign.

However, the transfer insider believes there were originally question marks over whether to keep Targett on Tyneside.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Newcastle were