Newcastle have "put the feelers out" for £22.5m star, he's their "main priority" - journalist

Newcastle United have made Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi their number one target to fill their left-back position moving forward, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

It looks set to be a busy summer on Tyneside, and bringing in a full-back on a permanent deal is likely to be a priority for Eddie Howe.

Matt Targett spent the second half of last season on loan at Newcastle from Aston Villa, and largely impressed as the Magpies moved away from the relegation zone and into mid-table.

The Chronicle Live reported back in March that Newcastle had an agreement in principle to sign Targett on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

However, Targett has now been linked with a move to newly-promoted Fulham, and The Athletic has claimed that he would be open to joining the Cottagers.

The same report states that Lodi has moved towards the top of Newcastle’s wanted list.

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Talbot has suggested that Newcastle have an interest in both players, but he believes Lodi is now the club’s first-choice option, while Targett is viewed as someone they could turn to if they don’t manage to land the Brazilian international.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Talbot said: “I’m told that with Targett, it’s going to be more of a secondary option. So, they’ve put the feelers out for Lodi, who’s their main priority signing for that left-back side. And if that falls through, then they’re going to back to Targett.”

Lodi has the clear advantage when it comes to playing at the highest level.

The £22.5m-rated defender has made 27 appearances in the Champions League over the last three seasons, while he has also forced his way into the Brazil national