Matt Targett has enjoyed a great season while on loan at Middlesbrough from Newcastle United
12:00, 17 Apr 2026
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough FC (right) is congratulated for the goal
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough FC (right) is congratulated for the goal(Image: MI News/NurPhoto)
Any hope Middlesbrough may have to sign Matt Targett in the summer could be dealt a blow as interest from Premier League clubs emerges.
Targett has spent the season on loan at Middlesbrough and other than his recent absence at Swansea City due to injury, has been an ever-present in Kim Hellberg’s promotion-chasing side.
The Newcastle United loanee has impressed at the Riverside, getting his career back on track after what he admitted were two frustrating years at Newcastle where an injury left him on the fringes after his return.
That, according to a report from TeamTalk, has alerted both Everton and Leeds United. Their report claims the top flight clubs would be interested in signing Targett this summer on a free transfer, with the left-back’s contract at St James’ Park ending. He recently declared his time at Newcastle was ‘over’.
Targett recently made clear his desire to stay at Boro, with his hope being that he can help the club secure promotion to the Premier League and then earn a contract.
But with just two wins in their last 11 games, Boro’s promotion hopes have stuttered of late. They have games remaining to try and turn their form around, with promotion still a possibility both by finishing second or via the play-offs.
Should Boro win promotion, they’d likely be able to fend off the interest of Leeds and Everton, given Targett has enjoyed his time at the Riverside so much. It would mean no need to move his family either.
Though not yet confirmed, Targett’s reliability this term and Premier League experience means Boro would be likely to pursue a permanent move for the free agent should they win promotion.
However, things would likely be more complicated should Boro fail to go up - particularly if Everton and Leeds act on their interest. The biggest being Targett’s wage. Currently on Premier League wages, Boro are only paying a portion of that this term.
While Boro might still try to sign Targett if they don’t get promoted, they would need the 30-year-old to take a pay cut if they don’t win promotion. That and a potential opportunity to have one more crack in the Premier League may prompt Targett to look elsewhere.
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