OPINION
After being priced out of a move for left-back Nicolas Tagliafico according to the Chronicle, Newcastle must turn their attention to the south coast.
There, they will find Southampton left-back Matt Targett – a previous target of boss Rafa Benitez.
Sky Sports reported last summer that the Magpies proposed loan offer for the left-sided enforcer was called off at the last minute – but they must plot a return swoop for him to ease their woes at left-back.
Benitez needs cover in that position, with just Paul Dummett as a natural option, and now he cannot land Tagliafico, his attention must be focused on Targett.
The 22-year-old’s game time is limited at St Mary’s now Mark Hughes has bought in some new signings, and a move up north is just what he needs to get playing regularly once again.
Benitez already nows what Targett is capable of after the saga last year, meaning he can relied upon to put out the performances needed to provide sufficient cover to his wing-backs.
He is young, meaning he cannot afford to be sitting on the bench for large parts of his career – and a move would benefit both parties due to the circumstances.
At Newcastle, his form will only increase and this may result in him cementing himself as the Spaniard’s first-choice left-back for United.
He is not likely to be expensive so Benitez will be glad to hear that he may not be priced out this time, if he decides to register his interest in the Eastleigh-born player.
Benitez would be mad not to move for Targett, especially in the situation he is in to seek out a new left-back this summer.
Targett would fit in perfectly to the Newcastle line-up, and the club must act quickly to snap him up from the Saints and fix their left-back woes..
