Club announce deadline day signing after late Newcastle United decision
James Rutherford
3 – 4 minutes
It looks more and more likely that Matt Targett will stay at Newcastle United.
The left-back has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park during the January transfer window, with Matt Targett very much on the fringes at Newcastle United right now.
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Geordie Boot Boys had been told that Newcastle were willing to loan out Targett, but talk of a deal has gone very quiet.
Leeds wanted Targett, but a transfer was never as close as initially claimed. And with Lloyd Kelly set to join Juventus, Newcastle suddenly need to retain Targett.
Matt Targett of Newcastkle United (13) arrives for the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James’ Park on Decem…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Watford announce left-back signing after failed Matt Targett bid
That was reflected by Newcastle’s decision to reject Watford’s late move to sign Targett on Sunday.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reported on Sunday that Newcastle had turned down Watford’s approach for the defender, and now the Hornets have taken their business elsewhere.
❌ Newcastle have turned down an approach from Watford to sign Matt Targett on-loan.
☑️ With Lloyd Kelly close to a move to Juventus, #NUFC don’t want to lose both left-back options.
💰 Kelly valued around £15m, having arrived for free last summer. pic.twitter.com/V4ZEK908TE
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) February 2, 2025
View Tweet
Their left-back search is over, but it is not ending with Targett arriving at Vicarage Road. Instead, Watford have signed Caleb Wiley on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
With Wiley on board, there will be no fresh move for Targett.
Fresh Newcastle United chance for Matt Targett
This could now be a very interesting few months for Targett.
Hey may suddenly get more opportunities to play for Newcastle United, which has not really been the case this season. He has had his injury issues, while he has been behind Lewis Hall and Lloyd Kelly in the left-back pecking order.
But with Kelly on his way out, Targett is moving up. And he will be eager for an opportunity to showcase what he is capable of. In his defence, it feels like his reputation has dipped throughout his injury issues. It is almost as if fans have forgotten how good he was when he first arrived at St James’ Park.
Targett is certainly a talented player, and he is a great understudy for Lewis Hall. Howe really rates Targett, and it will be interesting to see how he is used as he prepares to end the January transfer window as a Newcastle United player.
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