Matt Targett has become Newcastle’s first official signing after making the loan move from Aston Villa into a permanent switch, signing a four year contract with the Magpies.
Speaking to NUFC TV, Targett said he is “over the moon” to be joining on a permanent deal and that Howe had told him after the Burnley game that he wanted to keep him at the club.
The 26-year-old has outlined his desire to help Newcastle break back into the European competitions and on a personal level, is looking to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England set up alongside fellow Mag, Kieran Trippier.
The deal seems to have moved extremely quickly with news breaking last night that the deal was on, then this morning the likes of Sky Sports reporting on Twitter that a medical was due to take place this week, and now a confirmed announcement and interview. Hopefully this kind of brevity is a sign of things to come now that Dan Ashworth is in place.
Eddie Howe was quoted on the Official Club Site, saying: “Matt had a fantastic impact after joining on loan in January and made a big contribution to some excellent team performances.
“He is a great lad and a top professional who undoubtedly makes us stronger so I’m delighted he sees his future here.”
Targett was spotted in the Toon shortly after signing by Newcastle fan, Neil Davison who was able to grab a quick selfie with the new left back and revealing that Targett smells “mint” … that’s the smell of success, lad, something we need to get used to.
Matt Targett with Newcastle Fan, Neil Davison