Exclusive: Eddie Howe ready to sell £15m Newcastle player who he claimed was 'one of the technically best players in the squad'
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TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Newcastle United defender Matt Targett is wanted by MLS club Charlotte FC, there is also interest from European clubs.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are open to letting the defender leave this month and he is not short of interest.
The 29-year-old has managed just two appearances for the Magpies this season with an illness hampering his 2024/25 campaign.
But now the former Aston Villa player could be set to leave St James’ Park with several clubs queuing up to compete for his signature.
Charlotte FC looking at Matt Targett deal
Matt Targett is being looked at by Charlotte FC as a potential loan target, sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
Targett’s former Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is currently in charge of the MLS club and is keen to be reunited with the full-back in the States.
Howe is a big fan of the defender having said: “The time he has spent injured has been hugely frustrating for him and for us because we've missed a very, very good player. Matt [Targett] is technically, for me, one of the best players in the squad.”
Smith is looking at the British market this month and Charlotte have also been in talks over a deal for Miguel Almiron, although as it stands, nobody is willing to meet Newcastle or the player’s demands.
The Major League Soccer is due to start towards the end of February with Charlotte set to start their campaign on the 23rd away to Seattle Sounders.
Smith is keen to bolster his options for his squad and wants to bring in Targett on loan, with Newcastle having been open to his departure since the summer.
Matt Targett is not short of offers
Targett is most certainly not short of offers though as TBR Football understands that a host of European clubs are showing an interest in Targett.
TBR Football can reveal that Belgian Pro League team Anderlecht and Bundesliga sides Eintracht Frankfurt and Mainz are also showing an interest.
Frankfurt and Mainz are both fighting for the Champions League spots in the German top flight and could be exciting challenges for the former England youth international.
There has also been interest within the Premier League.
