Matt Targett says he was “surprised” that Aston Villa signed Lucas Digne

Matt Targett has revealed that Aston Villa’s decision to sign Lucas Digne was one of the key reasons he left Villa Park in January.

Targett joined Newcastle United on a loan deal until the end of the season and he has admitted Steven Gerrard’s decision to bring in another left-back took him by surprise.

Speaking to talkSPORT on his move away from Villa Park, Targett, said: “It was a difficult decision because obviously, last season especially, I was pretty much the only left-back 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 to sign someone of that calibre. But that’s where the club wanted to go and 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 and have played as many Premier League games as possible so that’s probably one of the main reasons (for leaving).”

Earlier this month Steven Gerrard revealed that he would have “preferred” Targett to stay with the team at Villa Park in January, but couldn’t stand in the left-back’s way after he had made it clear he wanted to leave.

Targett, 26, joined Newcastle on transfer deadline day and has already become a bit of a favourite up in the North East.

“This was his decision,” Gerrard said on the reason for allowing Targett to leave.

“When we were linked with Lucas [Digne], I had a conversation with Matt. I said I’d always be honest with him and I expected it back from him.

“I said if we signed a left-back, you tell me what you want. You are free to challenge a new signing who comes in – I always like two people fighting for a position.

“Matt decided he had an opportunity he wanted to pursue and that’s when the respect comes in and you don’t stand in anyone’s way. I would have preferred him to stay and fight as he is a really strong left-back in this league, which is why he had options.

“But I can’t stand in anyone’s way unless I can guarantee him game time that will satisfy him so that’s why it’s come about, but everyone needs to know it was Matt’s decision rather than him being pushed in that direction.

“I’d have been happy to keep him but it’s opened up a pathway for young Ben Chrisene – really good prospect and we’re really excited to try to help him become a Premier League player.”

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