Newcastle United tipped to kick off summer transfer window with simple move

Journalist Keith Downie expects Newcastle United to prioritise the signing of Aston Villa loanee Matt Targett in the summer transfer window.

Targett has enjoyed a consistent role in the Newcastle side since his loan move. Of course, he was unable to play against parent club Villa, but has not failed to complete 90 minutes in the league otherwise.

Newcastle’s performances have improved since adding Targett, among other January signings. Of the nine Magpies games Targett has played, they have won five.

Indeed, it seems the 26-year-old is a valuable member of the Newcastle team. His loan seemed necessary, since the left-back was usurped of his position in the Villa side by Lucas Digne.

With Steven Gerrard’s project at Aston Villa appearing ambitious, and Targett already having been replaced short term, he may be surplus to requirements in the summer.

However, that may just play into Newcastle’s hands. The Magpies reportedly have a deal in principle to take Targett on board at the end of his loan.

In fact, the Magpies are expected to make that move a reality, per a recent update.

“I think the priority is to get Matt Targett in. I think they’re trying to juggle, but they’ve got an option in the Targett deal, so I fully expect that to be done,” Downie told GIVEMESPORT.

That is contrary to reports from the same journalist just last month. Indeed, Downie claimed that it did not “seem likely” that Targett would move to north East permanently.

Something must have changed between then and now if Newcastle are prioritising the signing.

The deal for Targett is reported to be in the region of £15million. Newcastle’s vastly rich owners would likely take no issue in spending that sum.

Targett will likely be one of a whole host of