The Newcastle United response to questions on Matt Targett's future

Targett joined the club on loan in January’s transfer window, and the Gazette this week revealed that there’s a buy option over a permanent deal for the 26-year-old.

Newcastle can sign Targett for £15million, less his loan fee, at the end of the season, and Howe was asked if Targett had a long-term future at Newcastle ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Southampton, the left-back’s first club, at the St Mary’s Stadium.

"It's a difficult one,” said Howe. “I sort of won't answer that, but I will say how well I think he's done. He's very consistent, fitted in really well, on and off the pitch, and a very intelligent player with and without the ball.

"He's been excellent, so I'm very happy with him."

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