What Eddie Howe said of Matt Targett intention to quit Aston Villa and seal Newcastle deal

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits it's "lovely to hear" of Matt Targett's intentions to make his loan into a permanent deal this summer. The left-back has been a revelation up at St James' Park since his switch back in January.

Targett has completed all 10 of his Toon matches thus far, only missing one fixture against parent club Villa back in early February. After Newcastle's latest victory over Leicester, the 26-year-old admitted to wanting to stay on Tyneside beyond this season with a £15million transfer agreement in place between Villa and Newcastle.

"I'm sure and hope they can sort something out for me," Targett said. "For sure (decision time) is coming closer so, at the moment, I am really enjoying my time here and loving playing in front of the Geordie fans here."

His current boss Howe, meanwhile, was asked about Targett's telling comments, and said: "I wasn't aware of any comments he made after the game. If that’s what he said then it's a lovely thing to hear from our perspective that he's happy at the club and enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer."

Howe added: "I'd be surprised if there was any other feeling from him because he’s looked so happy and settled in well.

"There are still games to play this season and opinions to be fully formed but I think he’s done very well. He’s fitted into the team and the group very well. He’s been very consistent with his performances.

"You look at the winning goal we scored on Sunday, Matt was at the beginning of that move and had the composure to not kick the ball out of play, deal with the defensive situation first then have the quality to find Joe Willock. He’s done very well and we’re very pleased with him."

Villa, of course, snapped up Lucas Digne for £25million