NEWCASTLE UNITED have confirmed the signing of Aston Villa defender Matt Targett on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 26-year-old left-back, who can also operate as a wing-back, is the Magpies' fourth arrival of the January transfer window, following the permanent additions of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes.

Targett - who will wear squad number 13 - adds Premier League experience to Eddie Howe's defensive options having made more than 100 top-flight appearances with Southampton and Aston Villa.

Speaking after completing his loan move, Targett said: "I'm delighted to be here. I can't wait to get going and meet all the fans and hopefully we can have a successful end to the season.

"My family have friends here and they've always said it's a football-mad city, so to experience it and be part of it - I'm really looking forward to it."

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe added: "We have gone into this transfer window with a plan to add strong competition in specific areas of the team and Matt will be a fantastic option for us on the left.

"He has important Premier League experience and know-how at this level, so I'm really pleased we've been able to add him to the squad."

Targett was Villa's first-choice left-back for the first half of the season, but lost his place in Steven Gerrard's first-choice starting side when Lucas Digne moved to Villa Park earlier this month.

Targett's arrival is likely to lead to the departure of Jamal Lewis on loan, with Birmingham City currently leading the chase for the Northern Irishman's signature.