Eddie Howe was aksed again on Matt Targett's future at Middlesbrough
14:17, 01 Feb 2026
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough
Matt Targett of Middlesbrough(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
Middlesbrough await news from Newcastle United on whether or not they’ll recall Matt Targett, as Eddie Howe refused to rule it out in the final hours of the January transfer window.
Targett has been a key player for Boro this season as they push for a return to the Premier League. He’s made clear he wants to stay at the Riverside for the rest of the season, despite Newcastle’s injury concerns.
It was those concerns that prompted Newcastle to force a recall deadline extension on Boro, meaning that instead of midway through January, Newcastle can now recall him anytime before Monday evening’s 7 pm transfer deadline.
Though Newcastle’s injury picture has now improved, with Lewis Hall and Dan Burn returning to action, Sven Botman had to miss the defeat at Liverpool on Saturday, while Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth remain out.
Asked after that game for an update on Targett’s future, Howe said: "That's something we'll be discussing until the end of the window."
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Boro remain hopeful that Newcastle will allow the left-back, 30, to stay at Boro for the rest of the season. A lot is likely to depend on making sure their defenders all came through the Anfield loss unscathed, while Botman’s issue isn’t a serious one.
Boro do have options in mind should Newcastle feel forced to activate the recall clause, but they’ll want clarity as soon as possible from the Magpies, in order to have time, should they need it, to try and sign a replacement.
The main priority for Boro on deadline day is trying to sign a striker. But, as things stand, a new arrival on that front is looking unlikely with many avenues explored to no avail.
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