Steven Gerrard delivers Matt Targett response amid permanent Newcastle United transfer talk

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has responded to Matt Targett’s comments that suggested he is looking to make a transfer to the North East permanent following the conclusion of this season.

Gerrard reluctantly allowed Targett to move on loan to St James’ Park in January following the arrival of Lucas Digne but the former Liverpool captain was always adamant that he wanted the 26-year-old to stay and provide competition for the left-back position at Villa Park.

The defender, however, knowing his game time would be limited chose to instead pick a loan move to a club where he knew he’d be guaranteed first team football and it’s safe to say that he hasn’t looked back.

He’s become a big hit with the Toon Army during his short stint there and all signs are now pointing towards a permanent move this summer, something the former Southampton defender seems very keen on.

Speaking after Newcastle United’s impressive 2-0 win over Arsenal, the left-back said that ‘everyone knows’ what he wants in regards to his future and that it’s now up to the clubs to decide where to go from here.

Gerrard, just like in January, wasn’t as ecstatic about the idea but admitted that the decision is probably out of his hands.

“I haven’t seen that interview or those comments so I don’t really want to say too much on it,” explained the Villa boss.

“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. 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!”

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