Newcastle United are not expected to recall Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough, despite having the option to do so, according to a report by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope.
Even if they want to, Hope reported that Targett “wants to stay at Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season” and that Newcastle are “sympathetic to his wishes.” This pretty much puts an end to one of the sagas of the silly season, as speculation grew of late over a possible January recall.
Hope wrote that the 30-year-old
left back is approaching the final months of his Newcastle contract, set to expire next summer, adding that it is “thought a deal will be agreed” between NUFC and Middlesbrough for him to join his current club on a permanent basis once the season is over.
Hope reported that Targett’s “form and fitness has given rise to the possibility of Newcastle recalling him this month,” particularly due to injury problems in Newcastle’s defence, but made it clear that won’t happen even if the clause remains active.
Hope wrote that Eddie Howe and Ross Wilson are “keen to respect the left back’s preference” and are not pushing for his return at this stage in order to maintain relations.
Newcastle, however, are “looking elsewhere to bring in cover for the position,” in a kinda promising update from Hope’s report. “There is a desire to sign a right-sided centre back” during the window, according to Hope, with defensive depth viewed as a broader concern.
“A pot of cash has been made available,” Hope stated, floating a figure of about “as much as £25million” being ready to use if the right option becomes available through January.
