The latest transfer talk from Middlesbrough as they prepare for the summer transfer window.
Middlesbrough loan star Matt Targett has admitted he is unsure where his long-term future lies - but conceded his time with parent club Newcastle United is at an end.
The former Southampton and Aston Villa defender joined Boro on loan during the final days of the summer transfer window and has gone on to play a leading role in their push for a return to the Premier League. Targett has scored four goals and provided three assists in 38 appearances in all competitions and has shown his versatility by playing in his natural position at left-back and at the heart of the Boro backline.
There was talk the 30-year-old could be recalled by the Magpies during the January transfer window after Eddie Howe’s defensive options were hampered by injuries to the likes of Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall. However, the decision was taken for Targett to remain at the Riverside Stadium and he now believes his time at Newcastle has come to an end - but is not yet certain where he could be when next season gets underway.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Friday’s defeat to Millwall, Targett said: “The future? I’m not sure to be honest. I believe I’m done at Newcastle so that chapter is closed.Hopefully we get promoted here and there will be a contract for me, but if not I’ve played as much as I can this season so I’ll assess my options.
“It was really important to me that I could come here and prove I can play a full season with no injuries. I had a chat with Eddie Howe in January and he was so understanding about my situation, so I thank him for that. He knew it was beneficial for me, that I wanted to keep playing.”
Former Boro star speaks after Riverside Stadium strike
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The Boro academy product is now a permanent member of the Lions squad after spending time on loan at The Den and he grabbed his ninth goal of the season as his side leapfrogged Kim Hellberg’s men into runners-up spot in the Championship with a 2-1 win at the Riverside Stadium. Coburn reflected on his move from the North East to London and believes his game has ‘come on quite a bit’ during his time under former Sunderland manager Neil.
Speaking after Friday’s game at the Riverside Stadium: “I obviously was on loan at Millwall, I really enjoyed my time there, and the gaffer was brilliant with me, and yeah, I was playing a lot of games and that was what I wanted to do. That was the main thing for me and I knew if I went and played games I'd score goals. So yeah, that was basically my decision really.I think I've come on quite a bit. I think obviously I'm scoring more goals and I feel more confident, I feel stronger, and yeah, I've really tried to work on my game. And the gaffer’s really helped with my game. But yeah, I just need to try and keep going and keep trying to keep scoring.”
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