Danny Wright

Wed 8 June 2022 16:21, UK

By Joshua Slack

Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett is set to complete his medical at Newcastle United on Wednesday (8 June), according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old, who spent the second half of the 2021/22 season on loan at St James’ Park, is to join Eddie Howe’s side on a permanent basis after completing his medical

Guardian journalist Romano reported via his personal Twitter account on 8 June that Targett’s permanent switch to Newcastle is “now set to be completed and announced”.

Great fit for Newcastle

Targett was a key part of the Newcastle United side which stormed up the table following their revival under Howe, and this is a signing which will improve their squad, undoubtedly.

Following his loan move from Villa to the Magpies last season, the former England under-21 international went on to make 16 appearances and was a regular in their first team, as they finished 10^th in the Premier League table overall.

He is also versatile in the fact he can also operate as a wing-back and is always looking to make them overlapping runs to cause problems for opposing defences and he tends to put fizzing balls into the box; making him a handful for defences to contain.

His solid defensive displays last season also helped Newcastle keep five clean sheets during the appearances he made, and Howe is clearly a big fan, because when Targett was fit, he played every single minute for the Magpies.

Targett has yet to feature for the Three Lions, but if he continues to blossom at club level, it is surely only a matter of time before Targett makes his full England international debut.

In other Aston Villa news, Steven Gerrard doesn’t want to sell Tyrone Mings.