Newcastle United have announced their first signing of the summer with Matt Targett completing a move to Tyneside. The 26-year-old, who flourished while on loan with the Magpies last season, has penned a four-year deal at the club.
Targett has made no secret of his desire to join Newcastle on a permanent basis after impressing Toon boss Eddie Howe and the St. James' Park faithful. The defender was in the north east on Wednesday to undergo a medical and finalise the switch.
Newcastle have wasted no time securing a deal, with new sporting director Dan Ashworth said to have had a hand in the talks. Speculation had recently suggested other targets were being pursued at left-back, notably Atletico Madrid star Renan Lodi.
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But tying Targett down for a fee of around £12m is a huge, early boost for Newcastle as they prepare for a busy summer. The club are also pursuing a new central defender and a new attacker.
"I'm absolutely delighted to sign a four-year contract with this club," Targett said. "For me, it was an easy decision to make the loan permanent after the welcome I had from my fellow players, the staff, the supporters and the owners so I'm really happy to be here."
Targett featured 16 times for Newcastle during his five-month loan spell, playing a key role in the club's surge away from the Premier League relegation zone.
His former club Fulham were linked with a move in recent weeks after earning promotion to the top flight. Targett enjoyed a successful loan spell at the London outfit back in 2018.
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