Matt Targett has spoken of his shock after Aston Villa brought in Lucas Digne back during the January transfer window - sparking his surprise move to Newcastle United.
Targett was the number one choice at left-back at Villa at the start of the season but he was taken aback when Steven Gerrard set up a two-way tussle for the position by signing Digne from Everton.
And once it became clear he was going to be allowed to leave Villa Park, Eddie Howe swooped with an 11th hour window move to bring him to St James' Park.
Go here for all the latest Newcastle United news
Targett told Talksport: "It was a difficult decision because obviously I was pretty much the only left-back last season and I knew the club wanted to sign a left-back, I was quite surprised when they signed someone like Lucas Digne.
"Obviously he was out there at the time and the club had to do what they had to do, but it was quite hard to take when they signed someone of that calibre, but if that's where the club wants to go then I completely respect that.
"But at the same time, I'm 26 and I don't want to be sitting on the bench, I want to look back on my career knowing that I've played as many Premier League games as possible.
"So that was probably one of the main reasons."
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
