Newcastle United want last-minute Aston Villa transfer as late spending spree continues

Newcastle United are targeting a last-minute January transfer for Aston Villa's Matt Targett according to fresh claims made today.

The Athletic are reporting that Toon Army boss Eddie Howe wants to add the full-back to bolster his defensive options with the club fighting against relegation to the Championship.

Newcastle are making a series of moves ahead of the window closing tomorrow with Brighton's Dan Burn on the agenda with the two clubs having agreed a fee of £13m.

The Magpies have also signed Bruno Guimaraes for £33m over the weekend after he arrived from Lyon and now want Targett as part of their late spending spree.

It is reported that Newcastle have registered their interest, but a deal does look unlikely at this stage.

Targett has lost his place in the Villa team due to the arrival of Lucas Digne from Everton for a fee of £25m.

Villa head coach Steven Gerrard is keen to have two players for every position and speaking last week, challenged Targett to fight for his place.

Gerrard said: “I’m the lucky one because I’ve got two top class left-backs. Matt’s pedigree, we believe he’s a really strong Premier League left-back.

“To have Lucas Digne and Matt Targett makes my life and my job a lot easier so we’re delighted with that.

“We’ve set the challenge and the gauntlet to Matt to take the fight to Lucas for the position and during the month of February the games are going to come thick and fast, so we’re going to need two top left-backs. That’s the way I see it. I’m happy with having both options.

“The reaction from Matt from coming out of the team has been top class but we expected nothing different because he’s been really good since we’ve come in.”