Newcastle have launched an official deadline day approach for Southampton flyer Matt Targett, according to a Sky journalist.
Sky Sports north east correspondent Keith Downie has claimed via his personal Twitter account on Thursday afternoon that the Magpies have officially made their move for the 21-year-old left-back after links between the two throughout the morning.
Targett is another product of the famous Southampton academy, but due to the form of England international Ryan Bertrand he has not appeared in any of the Saints’ first team match squads this season.
He is however still contracted to the south coast club until 2022 after agreeing a new five-year deal earlier this summer.
Now, with a move to Newcastle looking possible, This Is Futbol has weighed up whether it will be a good move for the Magpies and just how likely it is to happen.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle are desperate for a left-back after the injury suffered to Paul Dummett and they could certainly do a lot worse than young prospect Targett, who has played 25 times in the Premier League already at his young age. The Southampton starlet is far from the finished article at St. Mary’s and still has questions over his attacking play with a lack of pace his clear weakness. However, he is a very capable defender and that is what is most important to Newcastle as they aim for Premier League survival. Therefore, this looks like a move that can suit all parties.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
This move looks like it is just a case of when it will happen, rather than if it will after reports throughout the morning alongside the official approach. Newcastle know they need a left-back and after long links to Chelsea’s Brazilian Kenedy it looks like they have finally given up. Targett could now be being viewed as the alternative to the Stamford Bridge man and he is certainly more realistic, as Southampton will be keen for him to gain the necessary match experience which he isn’t guaranteed to get on the south coast due to Bertrand.
This Is Futbol rating: 10/10.