Newcastle: Eddie Howe 'looking at' upgrade on £15m star at St James' Park

Newcastle United could look to make Matt Targett’s loan move from Aston Villa permanent, but head coach Eddie Howe is still aiming to tempt a new left-back to St James’ Park in the summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Magpies are the richest club in world football, following the £305million takeover led by the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund, and they could splash the cash when the transfer window reopens.

Targett made the move to Tyneside after Newcastle succeeded in negotiating a loan deal with Villa on deadline day of the January transfer window.

While the switch did not include an option to buy the 26-year-old, 90min have revealed a broad agreement is in place that would see Targett join permanently for £15million.

The report suggests Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United are also interested and ready to pounce if Howe, who was appointed as the Magpies’ boss last November, opts against extending Targett’s stay beyond the end of the season.

It seems Targett is keen to wave goodbye to Villa Park and remain with Newcastle as he has admitted he is hopeful of being at St James’ Park next term and enjoys playing in front of the Toon Army.

The former Southampton man has made the left-back slot his own since the loan switch, with the Magpies’ clash with his parent club being the only match he has missed.

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While Newcastle are nearing a permanent deal for Targett, Downie understands the Tyneside giants are still scouring the market for a potential upgrade.

The Sky Sports reporter has doubts as to whether Howe sees Targett as being a long-term success at St James’ Park.

Downie told