Newcastle United have signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa until end of 2021-22 season.
Targett’s move to St James’ Park comes after he fell out of favour at Villa following the arrival of Lucas Digne earlier this month from Everton, with Targett not named in the starting eleven in Villa’s last two Premier League matches against Manchester United and Everton respectively.
Targett though has been a key player at fullback for Aston Villa this season with one goal in 19 appearances in all competitions, having also provided more crosses than any other Villa player so far this season.
Speaking about his decision to join Newcastle on loan, Targett said: “I’m delighted to be here. I can’t wait to get going and meet all the fans and hopefully we can have a successful end to the season.
“My family have friends here and they’ve always said it’s a football-mad city, so to experience it and be part of it – I’m really looking forward to it.”
Targett also released a tweet in which he vowed to give everything he can to help the Magpies avoid relegation.
So proud to have signed for @NUFC until the end of the season 😁 Can’t wait to get started! I’m ready to give my all to this club as we head into a very important few months 🙌🏼 Looking forward to seeing you all at St James’ Park 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/XqEIiH0Iso
— Matt Targett (@Mattytargett) January 31, 2022
Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe added that he is delighted to secure Targett after seeking throughout this month to add extra “strong competition” on the left flank, given then 26 year-old’s ability to play in fullback and wing-back positions.
Howe also acknowledged Targett’s Premier League experience following 126 top-flight appearances for Southampton and Villa in combined total as he said: “He has important Premier League experience and know-how at this level, so I’m really pleased we’ve been able to add him to the squad.”
Newcastle will be Targett’s fourth club throughout his career after spending five seasons at Southampton – including a loan spell at Fulham in 2017-18 season, before switching to Villa in Summer 2019 where he scored three goals in 89 appearances for the Villains.
Targett could make his debut for Newcastle on Tuesday 8 February as the Magpies host Everton at St James’ Park in a Premier League clash live on BT Sport.
Newcastle have confirmed that Targett will wear the number 13 shirt.
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