Newcastle United primed to make bombshell January move - on one condition
Newcastle United transfers: A January recall for Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough has been floated.
Newcastle United are considering a potential recall for Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Targett had fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle at left-back with the emergence of Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and even Dan Burn as an option in that position.
Given his lack of game time on Tyneside, the defender was loaned out to Championship side Middlesbrough for the season.
But Newcastle have recently been hit with an injury crisis in the full-back positions with Livramento, Hall, Burn, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth all suffering with injuries. It has resulted in Lewis Miley starting at right-back and Under-21s defender Alex Murphy coming on in place of Livramento during the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Fulham last week.
Fortunately, Newcastle welcomed back Hall at left-back in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at St James’ Park on Saturday. But that was after talk of a potential return for Targett was sparked.
After the Fulham win, Howe was asked about a potential recall for Targett and wouldn’t rule the decision out.
Newcastle have a recall clause that can be triggered in January and the left-back is enjoying a positive spell at Boro so far this season. The 30-year-old has scored twice in 18 appearances for a side currently sitting second in the Championship table and pushing for promotion.
“Yeah, we'll make that decision closer to the date where we have to,” Howe told The Gazette. “But certainly, at the moment, I don't have many more rabbits to pull out of the hat, to be honest [in defensive options]. We're in dangerous territory, so, let's see.”
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Middlesbrough boss addresses Matt Targett speculation
Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg addressed the prospect of losing Targett in January, playing down the suggestion.
“I count on him being here and that's all I know on that question. I'm trying not to think about losing him,” Hellberg said.
“What I can tell you is that when he's played, he's been very, very good. He's been top with his movement, top with the ball. He's a very intelligent player with a brilliant left foot so he's been fantastic.
“And he also showed that he could play centre-back. That was brilliant from him, so he's been terrific. He's a very nice guy.
“I would say it's looking the same to me. When I talk to him, when I look at him, I see him play, when I see him with the boys, when I see him on the pitch, he looks like he enjoys his time here.”
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Matt Targett likely to stay at Middlesbrough - on one condition
Newcastle will only be able to recall Targett in January, by that stage, the likes of Trippier and Krafth could be available while Burn and Livramento will be a matter of weeks away.
The Magpies will monitor the situation closely and make a call on Targett if it becomes clear that they will be short of options for an extended period.
But for now, Howe’s message is clear.