Newcastle United fans make 'quality' Aston Villa demand after Matt Targett transfer

Eddie Howe has been gushing in his praise for Aston Villa loanee Matt Targett after impressive start to life at Newcastle United continued on Saturday.

Left back Targett was one of a number of players who arrived at St James’s Park in the January transfer window as the Magpies, under new boss Howe, looked to complete business that would secure their status as a top flight club again, ahead of another recruitment drive in the summer.

Targett agreed to the loan move until the end of the season after Steven Gerrard moved to bring French international Lucas Digne to Villa from Everton, after it became clear he was set to leave Goodison Park.

Targett, not keen on warming the bench, accepted the offer to aid Newcastle’s survival push and it’s fair to say he’s caught Howe’s eye early doors.

He wasn’t eligible to feature against parent club Villa as the Toon emerged 1-0 winners over the Lions on Tyneside last weekend, but he was restored to the XI for the 1-1 draw at West Ham United this past Saturday.

That followed up his performance in the important 3-1 victory over Everton prior to that.

“I thought Matty was very, very good,” Howe told ChronicleLive of Targett’s display at the London Stadium. “I think in the two performances he’s given, he’s been very, very confident and slipped into the team very impressively.

“He used the ball well, I thought he attacked well. He put a lot of balls in the box, and just his general, all-round game, his defending was of the highest level, in my opinion.”

: Really hope we can keep him. I love Dummett and you can never question his commitment, versatility or work-rate but it's a position we've lacked for years. Targett seems like a well balanced player!

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