According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle United have rejected a loan move for defender Matt Targett to join Championship club Watford.
Newcastle United are set to end the January transfer window with no incomings by the end of today, but they have been working hard to offload players that have become surplus to requirements.
Miguel Almiron has re-joined MLS club Atlanta United this month, whilst Lloyd Kelly is expected to join Juventus on a half-season loan with a £20m obligation to buy in the summer after completing his medical in Turin.
Indeed, it would have been ideal for Newcastle to strengthen the squad before the deadline this evening, however, it is clear that the club are fully focused on building a transfer budget for an ambitious summer when the current season ends.
It has been widely reported that the club are interested in signing a centre-back and a right winger, but with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) being a constant concern on Tyneside it has held them back from being ruthless in the market.
The outgoings sanctioned this month will definitely give the club room to negotiate and compete with the biggest clubs in the Premier League for the players they are targeting in the summer, which would set them up comfortably if they do qualify for European football at the end of the season.
Although Newcastle are keen to offload players who have bit-part roles at the club, it seems not everyone in the squad is at risk of having their future cut short in the North East.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealed over the weekend that Newcastle have rejected Watford in their pursuit to sign Matt Targett on loan for the remainder of their Championship campaign.
Downie wrote on X:
“❌ Newcastle have turned down an approach from Watford to sign Matt Targett on-loan.
☑️ With Lloyd Kelly close to a move to Juventus, #NUFC don’t want to lose both left-back options.
💰 Kelly valued around £15m, having arrived for free last summer.”
Should Newcastle let Matt Targett leave?
There is no doubt that Matt Targett has fallen out of favour under Eddie Howe, but with so much football left to play this season it is arguably the right decision for the Magpies.
Newcastle remain in a battle for both top four and European football qualification in the Premier League, as well as competing for a spot in the Carabao Cup final and looking to progress to the next stage of the FA Cup this week.
A trip to Birmingham looms after a challenging fixture against Arsenal at St James’ Park midweek, so Targett could be a useful asset to Howe in the immediate against Birmingham City, allowing for Lewis Hall and Dan Burn to be rested for the FA Cup fourth round clash.
Indeed, if an offer for a permanent move away would have been received for the 29-year-old – who signed on a £15m fee for Newcastle – it might have aroused the club’s interest as they look to build transfer funds.
However, a straight loan makes no sense for Newcastle at this stage of the season and would only further deplete the defensive set up with Lloyd Kelly joining Juventus today.