Leeds United have made a surprise enquiry to sign Newcastle United defender Matt Targett before the deadline on Monday evening, and a Toon expert has told us if Leeds stand a chance of a deal.
With the January window edging closer to Monday’s deadline, Leeds seemed to have sprung into action. The Whites have adopted the same tactic in recent windows, waiting until the latter stages to strike.
In the summer, Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani were brought in late on before Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt were added on deadline day. This time around, it looks like Leeds are looking to do the same.
Daniel Farke hinted that the club were close to a new signing after the draw at Burnley, suggesting there may be updates on his phone. On Tuesday, it was reported that Leeds made an enquiry for Matt Targett.
Newcastle expert delivers the lowdown on Matt Targett situation
With Leeds looking to sign left-back Targett, LeedsUnited.News spoke to Newcastle expert and Geordie Boot Boys writer James Rutherford to get the lowdown on Targett as Leeds look to strike a late deal.
Rutherford told us why Targett has only played twice this season: “Ever since joining in 2022, Targett has suffered with injury problems. He lost his place to Dan Burn, as we qualified for the Champions League.
“Now Lewis Hall has made the left-back position his own. It will be his for a very long time considering he is only 20-years-old. While Targett is fit again, there is no chance of him winning the position back.”
Targett was one of a handful of signings in January 2022, Eddie Howe’s first window. Howe signed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Targett, helping save Newcastle from the threat of relegation.
Joining permanently that summer for £15m, Targett has fallen out of favour despite being well-liked by Newcastle fans. Rutherford shares the sympathy he has for the former Aston Villa and Southampton ace.
“I think Targett is a good one-on-one defender, while he is technically excellent. That is something that Eddie Howe has raved about. He rarely does anything flash, but he is certainly solid enough on the ball.
“I feel sorry for Targett, it feels as if supporters have forgotten how good Targett was. It is not like he lost his place in the side through bad form. It was due to injury and his replacements becoming undroppable.”
Do Leeds stand a good chance of signing Matt Targett?
Targett is now in the final 18 months of his £79k-a-week deal. He is a proven Premier League player but at Newcastle, he stands little chance of game time and Rutherford feels Newcastle will let him leave the club.
Rutherford told LeedsUnited.News: “I think Newcastle will let him go, if there is a suitable approach. The squad is delicate, he has enough players who can cover left-back if Hall were to pick up an injury.
“He cost £15m in 2022, and has a contract until 2026. With that in mind, he is not going to command a huge fee – maybe somewhere between £7million and £10million, but that is pure speculation,” he added.
Whether Leeds move now or in the summer, remains to be seen. Junior Firpo and Sam Byram are the left-back options but both are out of contract in June and it might be Leeds are trying to replace them now.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
