The Athletic's Chris Waugh has shared an update on Newcastle United's possible move to make defender Matt Target's deal a permanent in the summer.
The lowdown
On the final day of the January transfer window, Newcastle sealed the signing of Targett on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
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Villa allowed him to leave after making a £25million move for another left-back in the form of Lucas Digne.
Targett has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet since making the switch to the North East, completing 90 minutes in all but one Premier League game (he was ineligible to face his parent club in February).
The latest
Waugh tweeted that fans 'definitely want' Targett to join long-term, having conducted a poll which showed 97.5% were in favour.
However, while 'Eddie Howe really rates him', the club are haven't made a concrete decision yet.
The 'suspicion' is that there's a 'strong chance' Newcastle pursue the deal, but head of recruitment Steve Nickson has been drawing up a list of alternative left-backs at Howe's 'behest' - with the Magpies boss requesting they keep their options open.
It's thought that the Magpies would have to pay £15million to secure his services.
The verdict
As per WhoScored, Targett has averaged nearly a seven out of 10 over his 12 appearances for Newcastle.
He's creating 1.3 chances per 90 minutes, ranking him fourth in the squad, as well as averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions.
Significantly, Targett is a known quantity. He's already shown that he can deliver solid, consistent performances for the club, whereas other left-back targets may not be able to slot in so seamlessly.
What's more, his £35,000-per-week salary doesn't look to be much of a burden, placing him in the lower reaches of their wage structure.
The Englishman, hailed as 'top class' by Steven Gerrard, would be a low-risk addition.
In other news, Dean Jones has an update on Kieran Trippier's injury.