Newcastle deal still in play to sign Aston Villa defender Matt Targett permanently – report
Newcastle reportedly still have a deal in place to permanently sign Matt Targett from Aston Villa this summer.
According to Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope, after spending half the season on loan at St. James’ Park, the Magpies are working on a permanent deal.
Villa allowed Targett to leave as they managed to sign Lucas Digne from cash-strapped Everton.
Via his personal Twitter account, Hope wrote, “Newcastle hopeful of sealing Hugo Ekitike signing (structure/fees/terms still being discussed). A loan + obligation to buy was mooted (a way to delay FFP restrictions) but it will be permanent. Deals also still in play for Sven Botman & Matt Targett.”
Makes sense
Digne is definitely an upgrade on Targett and he will play games only when the former is injured or is being rested.
It makes sense for Villa to finalise his exit and make some funds from his sale as the club is run as a business and it would help them with costs.
Signing a replacement for him is not imperative as others in the squad can put in a shift in Digne’s absence.
The Villans still need to sign a few more players and it’s good to see that Steven Gerrard is being backed in the window.
However, it’s equally important that the deadweight are shown the door and that’s exactly what’s happening with Targett.
There are still a few ageing players who should not be anywhere near the first team next season and that needs to happen sooner rather than later.
In other Aston Villa news, Steven Gerrard is very keen to bring Liverpool defender Joe Gomez to the club.