The Jack Grealish experience that will see Allan Saint-Maximin thrive after transfer window move

Allan Saint-Maximin will 'thrive' under Matt Targett following the defender's arrival from Aston Villa.

The left-back's good relationship with Jack Grealish while the pair were at Villa Park is expected to set him up nicely if Saint-Maximin is played ahead of him.

That's the view of Aston Villa writer Ashley Preece who believes with Grealish and Saint-Maxmin being similar types of players - Targett will have no issue settling in with the Frenchman.

"He played with a similar flamboyant type of player in Jack Grealish," Preece told the "now he did work back but not that much.

"Last season, the tactics at Villa were Grealish to stay high and left and Targett when he had the ball - just give it to him!

"The pair worked well together and I can see Targett working well with Saint-Maximin - whenever the Frenchman is free, Targett will give him the ball and he'll always be in that defensive shape.

"As I say, he's played with players who do play off the cuff - Saint-Maximin is similar and I think Targett could get the best out of him."

Saint-Maximin has played in a number of positions this season - including 10 times on the left but with no consistent left-back or wing-back behind him, it is now hoped the arrival of Targett can help improve not only the defence but Frenchman's game too.

Targett arrives at Newcastle on loan until the end of the season having found himself suddenly out of the XI at Aston Villa following the arrival of Lucas Digne.

Yet it was only last season Targett was named the players' player of the year - and the feeling is Newcastle have signed a solid player to aid their fight for survival.

"Last season he played really well," added Preece, "this season he has regressed a little bit.

"He had an injury