Fulham have joined the race to sign Matt Targett this summer, with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe still assessing whether or not to turn the full-back’s move from Aston Villa into a permanent transfer.
Targett has been a huge success since joining Newcastle on loan in January, with his reliable performances at left-back having been a key factor in the overall defensive improvement that was apparent in the second half of the season.
The 26-year-old started all of Newcastle’s matches after arriving from Villa Park, bar the game against his permanent employers, and the loan agreement that was thrashed out when he moved at the start of the year contains a clause that enables the Magpies to complete a permanent transfer for around £15m this summer.
There is still a chance Howe could opt to trigger the arrangement, although there are complications on both sides that could yet prevent a deal taking place.
Newcastle’s recruitment team have been monitoring alternative left-back options, and are understood to have a growing interest in Atletico Madrid defender Renan Lodi and Bayer Leverkusen full-back Mitchel Bakker.
At the same time, former Southampton trainee Targett is believed to be keen to move closer to his family, who remain based on the south coast.
“I think it’s a difficult one to give any direction on, in respect to his club,” said Howe, when asked about Targett’s position in the wake of Newcastle’s season-ending win at Burnley. “So, we’ll wait and see.”
The uncertainty has created an opportunity for other clubs to initiate discussions of their own, and Fulham officials have made contact with the Aston Villa hierarchy and Targett’s representatives to outline their interest in securing a deal.
The Cottagers intend to strengthen their defence significantly in the wake of their promotion from the Championship, with Marco Silva keen to prioritise the purchase of some tried-and-tested Premier League performers who can add some much-needed top-flight experience to his squad.
Targett started 20 games for Fulham in the second half of their promotion season of 2017/2018, he also started in the Championship Play Off Final victory over Aston Villa.