Eddie Howe expects it will be a quiet transfer window for Newcastle United.
Despite any suggestion from Eddie Howe, there have been several reports regarding potential incoming and outgoing players with Paul Mitchell set to work his first full transfer window.
Mitchell joined Newcastle in July but a poor summer window wasn’t what he had in mind.
Newcastle are now working on seeing players leave the club in January with Miguel Almiron attracting interest and Martin Dubravka linked with a move away.
Players like Callum Wilson and Jamaal Lascelles will most likely stay at the club until the summer when their contracts expire as they recover from lengthy injuries. But one player who hasn’t played since November 2023 looks set for an exit but it’s not going to be easy.
Matt Targett of Newcastle United warms up during the Premier League 2 match between Newcastle United U21 and Sunderland U21 at Whitley Park on Augu...
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Matt Targett isn’t attracting interest amid Newcastle exit talks
Matt Targett was signed by Newcastle for £15m in 2022 after a successful loan stint with the Magpies the season prior.
Things started off well for the defender playing 17 games in the 2022/23 season helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League but the season after things would take a turn.
In a Carabao Cup game against Manchester United, Targett was forced off after just 90 seconds due to a hamstring injury and hasn’t played since.
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He’s played two games for Newcastle’s under-21’s but that’s it. According to The Athletic, Newcastle are struggling to find takers for players like Targett because of his lack of game time and high wages putting the 29-year-old in a tough situation.
Targett is transfer listed but his sale seems unlikely – His contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 season so it could be a long wait for Targett to get regular first-team football unless Newcastle can find a buyer willing to pay his £100k-per-week salary.
Lewis Hall’s good form keeps Matt Targett out the squad
Toon left-back Lewis Hall has enjoyed a great season since signing from Chelsea in the summer. Similar to Targett, Hall spent time on loan at Newcastle before making the deal permanent.
Because Hall has been so good this season, it leaves Howe with no choice but to play the young defender ahead of players like Targett who is left benched as a result.
Hall was called up to international duty in November as a result of his impressive performances joining Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon.
With young defenders coming through the youth ranks including Alex Murphy and Dan Burn’s ability to play at left-back, it’s growing increasingly difficult to see a way back into the starting XI for Targett.
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