According to transfer reporter Alan Nixon, Newcastle United flop Matt Targett has caught the attention of two Premier League clubs plotting a move in the January transfer window.
The Magpies have made incredible progress over the last six weeks both in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup, but there is a small matter of the transfer window to keep an eye on too.
After a disappointing summer of business and a worrying start to the campaign, there was huge expectation put on new sporting director Paul Mitchell to turn things around when the transfer market reopened this month.
Indeed, the pressure has been lifted off Mitchell as Newcastle’s current blistering form has transformed their chances of qualifying for European football, however, complacency in the market could lead to complacency on the pitch.
The North East giants are currently fifth in the top-flight table and have a 2-0 lead over Arsenal in their pursuit of their second cup final of Eddie Howe’s reign, but there is still a long way to go before they can comfortably seal their fate ahead of next season.
It is no secret that offloading the deadwood in the team would put Newcastle in a much stronger position to spend over the remaining weeks of January, however, no deal has materialised as of yet.
It has been reported today, by transfer reporter Alan Nixon, that two Premier League clubs are targeting a move for failed full-back Matt Targett this month, which could present a solid opportunity for Newcastle to get a highly paid player off their books.
Brentford and Leicester City are the clubs named as potential suitors for Targett, with the latter in a much more desperate situation as they are strong contenders for relegation at present.
Both clubs are aware of Newcastle’s PSR issues and understand that the club can’t negotiate from a strong position, however, it is claimed that a loan deal to either club has not been ruled out.
Should Newcastle offload Matt Targett?
The Magpies signed Targett back in 2022 after a six-month loan was turned to a £15m permanent move in the summer, playing a key role in keeping the club in the Premier League.
However, since making his move permanent his presence has been a rare occurrence due to numerous injury issues and the rapid progression of newly signed Lewis Hall, who has gone from strength to strength this season.
Dan Burn initially took on the role at left-back in Newcastle’s Champions League qualifying season, which pushed Targett out of the first-team even when he returned to full fitness, and signing Hall on a permanent last summer seemingly sealed his fate.
As a result, it would make perfect sense for Targett to be moved on this month, he has not only become surplus to requirements but also earns a whopping £100k-a-week which makes him the seventh highest paid player at the club earning more than Sven Botman and Nick Pope, as per Capology.
With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Newcastle to sell Targett this month as it would not only boost their transfer funds, but also take a massive chunk of change off their wage bill moving forward.