Eddie Howe’s four-word response to Matt Targett permanent transfer question amid uncertain Aston Villa future

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided a short and sweet response when posed the question about Matt Targett’s future, simply stating, ‘we’ll wait and see.’

Targett, 26, has become a firm favourite up in the North East following his loan move from Aston Villa in January and the belief is that a move to St James’ Park will become a permanent this Summer.

However, both Howe and Steven Gerrard have been keeping their cards close to their chest in regards to the future of the player with the latter claiming on multiple occasions that he would like to see the full-back remain in the Midlands.

Asked recently about the future of Targett, the Magpies boss said:

“I think it’s a difficult one to give you any direction on that in respect to his club.

“We’ll wait and see.”

It does still seem much more likely than not that the left-back will return to the Toon Army but Gerrard’s comments earlier in May suggest it may not be that simple.

“He’s an Aston Villa player until different, so, if he comes back in here in pre-season and he’s available for us, great, because I’ve got two top full-backs,” he said.

“That’s a great position to be in as a manager.

“I think the decision is going to be Newcastle’s at the end of the day. I haven’t spoke to Eddie on it.

“I spoke to Eddie a while ago, saying how he was really happy with Matt and how he was playing but there’s been a lot of football that’s been played since.

“It seems like it’s been a positive loan for Matty, from a personal point of view. But, it you ask me, I’d welcome him back no problem because it’ll mean I’ll have two top left-backs!”

What may make the decision easier for the two parties is simply down to what Targett the player wants and judging by his remarks following Newcastle’s win over Arsenal in the final game at St James’ park, his mind has been made up.

“I think everyone knows what I want but it’s up to the club,” he told NUFCTV.

“It’s a massive project, an exciting project. I’m sure everyone wants to be a part of it.”

Targett has three-years left on his deal at Villa Park and will likely require a fee of around £12million for Newcastle to secure his services on a permanent deal.

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