Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe delivers a speech as he attends a press conference at the Parc des Princes Stadium in western Paris on January 27, 2026, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League first round day 8 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle.placeholder image
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe delivers a speech as he attends a press conference at the Parc des Princes Stadium in western Paris on January 27, 2026, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League first round day 8 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle. | AFP via Getty Images
Matt Targett has been enjoying first-team football as Middlesbrough battle for Premier League promotion.
Eddie Howe has suggested that Matt Targett could be recalled before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
Newcastle United sent the defender on loan to Middlesbrough last summer for the final year of his contract. Signed for £15million in 2022, Targett had become a bit-part player on Tyneside.
Just five Premier League appearances in his previous two seasons made the 30-year-old surplus to requirements at St James’ Park. Targett is enjoying first-team football at Boro as they battle for promotion.
Eddie Howe on possible Matt Targett recall
Howe has previously dismissed suggestions that Newcastle would recall the left-back. However, injuries to Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar have left the Magpies light in defence.
Lewis Hall is the only fit option at left-back and recalling Targett as cover would make sense. On the potential of triggering the clause before tomorrow’s deadline, Howe told reporters: "That's something we'll be discussing until the end of the window."
Newcastle United transfer update
The Toon boss reiterated that he does not expect any incomings this month. That will be tough to hear for supporters given Newcastle’s underwhelming league campaign.
NewcastleWorld understands the plan was always to keep the powder dry until the summer. As for possible outgoings, Howe confirmed that Jamaal Lascelles could leave before the deadline.
Read More
What happened to the Alexander Isak money?
When asked about the Alexander Isak money earlier this month, Howe said: "I don't necessarily count the money. I will react to the information I get, and collectively we will come to the right decisions.
“I don't think it is a case that there is a pot of money stood there somewhere. I think PSR is constantly moving and changing depending on our income. So lots of things affect our income. So whether we are in the Champions League, how successful we are through the season, it is constantly changing.
"You can't ever really get one reading on it. It changes on a daily basis so we are having to react and change to that ourselves as we go through the season.
"All I can assure everybody is that there is money to spend, the club are willing to spend it, it is not a case of holding anything back. Of course, we have to comply within the rules we know how important that is."
Continue Reading