Matt Targett joins Newcastle on loan

Newcastle United have announced the arrival of Aston Villa defender Matt Targett on loan until July 1st. Targett has been told he is surplus to requirements at Villa Park after Lucas Digne's arrival.

In an interview with Newcastle's official website, Targett said: "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."

Targett has apparently made an agreement that would allow him to join the Toon Army on a permanent basis for a fee of £9 million.

Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe was delighted to have agreed the transfer: 

"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."

Newcastle have been amongst the busiest sides in the Premier League during the January transfer window.