Newcastle: PIF now 'expected' to address key area at St James Park

Newcastle United could sign a new central defender after landing Matt Targett, says Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

The Tyneside club recently made Targett’s loan deal from Aston Villa a permanent transfer, and Downie is now expecting them to add a centre-back to their squad in a development that could have ramifications for Jamaal Lascelles.

On Wednesday, Newcastle confirmed that they had signed Targett from Villa, with the deal thought to be worth £15m.

The left-back joins on a four-year deal after an impressive loan spell at St James’ Park during the second half of the 2021/22 season.

He made 16 Premier League appearances and recorded a WhoScored rating of 6.99, one of the highest in Eddie Howe’s squad, as the Magpies went on to claim an 11th-placed finish.

Speaking after his permanent switch to Newcastle, Targett told the club’s official website: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign a four-year contract with this club.

“For me, it was an easy decision to make the loan permanent after the welcome I had from my fellow players, the staff, the supporters and the owners so I’m really happy to be here.”

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Having now addressed the left-back position, Downie is expecting Newcastle and PIF to turn their attention to signing a central defender, which he believes could push Lascelles further down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports reporter said: “I do expect them to add at centre-half. He’s struggling to get into the team; you wouldn’t say he’s the first choice at the moment, and that is before they add another central defender.

“So I think that’s going to be a real interesting one over the summer,