Jamie Carragher believes Matt Targett has made a 'huge improvement' to Newcastle United despite all of the talk focusing on fellow January signing Kieran Trippier. The loanee has started every match so far except for the home win against parent club Aston Villa, and the Magpies have agreed a deal in principle to make the deal permanent this summer for around £15m.
Targett has so far proven to be a solid defensive option while also offering a threat on set-piece deliveries. It was this facet of the left-back's performance which drew praise from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher during the Magpies' defeat at Chelsea on Sunday.
The Liverpool legend told Sky Sports: “The delivery from Targett has been on point again. On set-pieces, sometimes from open play, that left foot of Targett’s is so good.
“There was obviously a lot of talk about when Kieran Trippier came in and he came in a little later. He’s played a lot more of course with Trippier’s injury, but it’s a huge improvement."
Pundit Frank McAvennie previously dismissed Targett's prospects of signing a permanent deal at St James' Park, insisting the club would move for someone a 'bit better' in the summer. However, the defender's form as well as the reported price tag has led the former Celtic striker to change his mind.
He told Football Insider: “I mean, wow, £15million, that’s nothing. I was thinking Villa would be wanting far more than that. My logic was they could spend that money on someone a bit better.
“But £15million for someone with his experience is a brilliant deal. I was worried about the new owners not really knowing what they were doing in the transfer market but they have done well there.
“So, get that one done then focus on getting the other players they need if they really want to push on next season. Targett would be a great start because by all accounts he’s a good lad and he looks to have settled in.”
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