[Boro](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/middlesbrough) turned to Targett, who joined Newcastle from Aston Villa for £15m in 2022, after admitting defeat in their summer pursuit of Max Arfsten.
Columbus Crew rejected Boro's advances for Arfsten this summer, but the Championship side will reassess that situation down the line - potentially even as early as January.
In the short-term, Targett will bring vast experience to Boro's side, having played more than 150 games in the Premier League, and is a natural fit at left wing-back or left-back.
Targett is well down the pecking order at Newcastle and played just 19 Premier League minutes last season. He wasn't included in Eddie Howe's squad for the Premier League opener at Aston Villa last week.
Lewis Hall is Newcastle's first choice left back when he's fully fit, but with the England international working his way back from injury, Tino Livramento covered on that side of the defence at Villa Park. Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn can both also play at left-back, so Newcastle are well covered in that area.
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Boro, on the other hand, don't currently have a fit recognised left wing-back in their squad, with Sammy Silvera, a winger, having adapted impressively to playing in that role throughout pre-season and in the first two games of the Championship campaign.
Alex Bangura is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Boro boss Rob Edwards sees Neto Borges as a central defender.
Targett joined Newcastle three years ago after initially impressing on loan and has played 38 Premier League games for the Magpies. He's fit and played for Newcastle throughout pre-season.
Rob Edwards admitted on Thursday Boro were still short in "two areas" - left wing-back and up-front. The arrival of Targett will be another crucial addition for Boro, who will now prioritise the signing of a striker in the final 10 days of the window.