Newcastle could be about to sanction two transfer exits following the re-signing of left-back from Matt Targett this week.
The Magpies first landed Targett on loan from Aston Villa in January and the 26-year-old was a regular in the line-up following his move to St James’ Park. He played 16 times in the second half of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign and, on Wednesday, re-joined Newcastle on a permanent deal in a move worth £15million.
It is the first signing of what is expected to be another hectic transfer window for Eddie Howe’s side. Newcastle splashed out £90million in January and further spending is expected ahead of the 2022/23 season as they look to improve on an 11th-place finish and push towards the European spots.
With Targett the first to arrive and others expected later this summer, Newcastle are reportedly close to sanctioning two transfer exits to help clear space in the squad. They have already sent midfielder Isaac Hayden out on loan to Norwich in a deal that could become permanent if certain performance-based criteria are met.
Left-back Jamal Lewis could also be on the way out of Tyneside this summer, with Targett’s return further cementing his status lower down the pecking order. Experienced defender Paul Dummett recently signed a contract extension with the Magpies and Chronicle Live have suggested that this could pave the way for Lewis to depart.
In January, he was left out of Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad and he has not played a top-flight match since December, missing the final months of the campaign for groin surgery.
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It was not too long ago that Lewis had been credited with transfer interest from Champions League finalists Liverpool, but now he appears to be Newcastle’s third choice left-back, suggesting an exit could be on the cards. Also set to leave St James’ Park is Freddie Woodman. Reports suggest that the goalkeeper is holding talks with Championship side Preston North End.
Woodman, who played four times in the Premier League for Howe’s side last season, has been at Newcastle since early 2013, when he joined from Crystal Palace ’s academy. Since joining the Magpies nine years ago, Woodman has made only nine senior appearances, leaving on loan seven times for spells with Hartlepool, Crawley, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Swansea and Bournemouth.
After success with five big signings in the January window, it is likely that Newcastle could spend big once again. The Magpies signed Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes five months ago, as well as sealing a loan deal for Targett.
Newcastle are reportedly close to striking a deal to sign France Under-20 striker Hugo Ekitike which could be worth up to £36million, including add-ons. However, he is said to have picked up an injury on international duty this week.
Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, Lille defender Sven Botman and Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin have all also been linked with interest from Newcastle.
