Newcastle sign Matt Targett on a permanent four-year deal worth up to £15m – after left back impressed this season during loan from Aston Villa
- Newcastle United signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa in January
- The left back impressed and helped the club avoid relegation as they ended 11th
- Newcastle have now signed him permanently with his valuation at £12-15million
Matt Targett has sealed a move to Newcastle from Aston Villa after the Magpies triggered the option to sign him permanently.
The left-back had a successful loan spell at St James’ Park during the second half of last season and he has now become a Newcastle player, for a fee of between £12m-£15m, Sportsmail understands.
Targett’s future was thrown into doubt when Villa signed Lucas Digne from Everton for £25m last winter and Targett’s departure will likely see Villa look for a younger understudy to Digne.
Matt Targett has returned to Newcastle after a successful loan spell from Aston Villa
‘I’m absolutely delighted to sign a four-year contract with this club,’ Targett told the club’s official website on Wednesday.
‘For me, it was an easy decision to make the loan permanent after the welcome I had from my fellow players, the staff, the supporters and the owners so I’m really happy to be here.’
Targett has become the first summer signing at what is expected to be a busy summer window in the north east.
Manager Eddie Howe said: ‘Matt had a fantastic impact after joining on loan in January and made a big contribution to some excellent team performances.
He impressed on loan last season and Newcastle have finalised a four-year contract
The left back fell down the pecking order at Aston Villa in January and they’re happy to sell up
‘He is a great lad and a top professional who undoubtedly makes us stronger so I’m delighted he sees his future here.’
Villa have already been active in the market since the end of the season, clinching the free transfer signing of France midfielder Boubacar Kamara and Brazilian defender Diego Carlos, in a deal that could be worth about £30m.
Villa are also chasing another central midfielder and a forward, with boss Steven Gerrard keen to have both deals done before the players return for pre-season in July.
There are also likely to be outgoings before then, with Villa prepared to listen to offers for wide men Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet, while midfielder Douglas Luiz remains a prominent target for Roma despite their recent signing of former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Source: Daily Mail Online