Newcastle United transfer news: Matt Targett joins on loan but Hugo Ekitike deal off

2 years ago 31
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Matt Targett in action for Aston Villa against Newcastle UnitedMatt Targett has scored twice in 83 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa since joining them in 2019

Newcastle have signed Aston Villa defender Matt Targett on loan until the end of the season, but look set to miss out on Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

Left-back Targett, 26, has made 126 Premier League appearances for Southampton and Villa.

He is manager Eddie Howe's fourth signing of the January transfer window.

The Magpies also seemed to be closing in on France Under-20 international Ekitike, 19, but the player has had second thoughts.

Ekitike was Newcastle's preferred target after it became clear Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah was not for sale.

He would have further added to their attacking options after the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley for £25m.

Targett joins Wood, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes as January arrivals.

His first-team opportunities were likely to be limited at Villa Park after manager Steven Gerrard signed Everton's France left-back Lucas Digne in a £25m deal.

"We have gone into this transfer window with a plan to add strong competition in specific areas of the team and Matt will be a fantastic option for us on the left," said Howe.

"He has important Premier League experience and knowhow at this level, so I'm really pleased we've been able to add him to the squad."

Newcastle, 18th in the Premier League table and one point from safety, are also interested in Brighton defender Dan Burn.

They have agreed a fee of £13m for the 29-year-old although League One club Wigan - his former club - are due around 20% of the profit made from their £4m sale of the player in 2018.

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