Report: Newcastle are now close to their first summer signing, 'fantastic' player could join for just £12m

By Shamanth Jayaram

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are now close to signing Matt Targett from Aston Villa on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old joined the Magpies on a six-month loan deal from Aston Villa back in January this year. He was one of Eddie Howe’s five new signings in the winter window, along with Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn and Chris Wood.

Every single one of those players played a part in helping Newcastle avoid relegation. All of them deserve immense credit, even Targett, who impressed in the 16 games he played last season.

Now, Newcastle are keen to make his loan move permanent.

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Newcastle close to signing Matt Targett on a permanent deal

When Newcastle signed Targett on loan in January, the deal included a clause which gave Howe’s side an option to make the deal permanent this summer.

The report claims that talks were held between the parties on Tuesday, and Newcastle have now decided to take up that option. It has been revealed that the deal looks set to be completed for just £12 million, which is a very reasonable fee for a player of his age and quality.

The report further claims that newly-promoted Fulham showed interest in Targett, while Newcastle themselves explored other options in the transfer market.

However, it now looks like everyone has made up their mind, and Targett, branded as ‘fantastic’ by Howe, is set to complete his permanent move soon.

• Report: Newcastle have held discussions over buying Matt Targett but know he has other offers

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Everybody is excited to see what Newcastle United will do in the summer transfer window.

The Magpies’ transfer business in January was a hugely successful one, and with Dan Ashworth now at the helm, it will be really interesting to see the players Newcastle will go after.

If the report is to be believed, Targett is set to be Newcastle’s first signing of the summer and considering that he’ll only cost them £12 million, Magpies fans can expect plenty of other arrivals as well in the next two months.

If the deal goes through as expected, Newcastle will be Targett’s third permanent club after Southampton and Aston Villa.

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