Eddie Howe has stopped short of addressing Matt Targett's long-term future at Newcastle United but the Magpies' head coach is 'very happy' with the defender - who will play against Southampton despite Ralph Hasenhuttl's grievances.
Newcastle signed Targett on loan, initially, from Aston Villa back in January but the black-and-whites do have the option to make the move permanent in the summer. While Targett has been keen to focus on the here and now, the left-back has enjoyed his time at the club, and perhaps, it would be a surprise if a deal was not struck after Villa bought Lucas Digne from Everton in the mid-season window.
Targett has impressed in each of the four games he has played for Newcastle so far and the Eastleigh native looks set to start against former club Southampton at St Mary's on Thursday night. Given how Targett has already become one of the first names on the team sheet, Howe will surely want the 26-year-old to be a part of his long-term plans - even if the Newcastle boss can't necessarily say so in public.
