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.
The defender has lost his place in the starting line-up at Villa Park since the arrival of boss Steven Gerrard who this month secured the signing of Lucas Digne from Everton.
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.
Welcome, @Mattytargett! ✍️
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 31, 2022
⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/SK5rT2rNKR
"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."
How did Newcastle fans react to Matt Targett's signing?
Newcastle fans appeared to be quite happy with the signing of Targett overall.
One fan posted on Twitter: "Just watched Matt Targett’s interview and he’s proper buzzing, beaming smile about the move. Mint to see a player come to a new club looking so happy. I hope to see him smiling throughout the remainder of the season @NUFC and hope to keep him".
Another wrote: "Matt Targett is yet another good acquisition for #NUFC. Now Howe holds two quality players at full-back in Trippier and Targett who will offer defensive solidity as well as a fine balance in attack.
Matt Targett is yet another good acquisition for #NUFC. Now Howe holds two quality players at full-back in Trippier and Targett who will offer defensive solidity as well as a fine balance in attack. The club have needed a specialist LB for a while and Targett fits the bill.
— ANTHONY (@antzhumbleent) January 31, 2022
"The club have needed a specialist LB for a while and Targett fits the bill."
One fan wrote: "Matt Targett confirmed. Good solid signing on loan until the end of the season. Option to buy at the end of the season?"
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