Birmingham City could sign Newcastle United defender following Aston Villa full-back’s loan move

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of full-back Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa, a move which may see the Villan’s city rivals make a last ditch deadline day signing.

Birmingham City are being linked with a move for Northern Ireland international left-back Jamall Lewis with the player now falling down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

Football Insider have reported that the Blues are keen on signing the 24-year old, who joined Newcastle from Norwich City in 2020.

Will Jamall Lewis sign for Birmingham City? What has been reported

As reported by Football Insider, Newcastle United were planning to let Lewis leave on loan once they had confirmed the signing of Matt Targett from Aston Villa.

With that deal now concluded it looks likely that Lewis will be on his way out with the Northern Irish defender now way down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

Both Paul Dummett and Javier Manquillo are already ahead of Lewis and Targett’s arrival means his already limited game time would be significantly reduced if he were to remain in the North East.

With a move to the Championship always the most likely destination, the latest news is that Birmingham City are the club who look set to make a bid for the player with The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath also reporting the link.

The Magpies signed Lewis for £15million deal in 2020 from Norwich City.

Targett leaves Villa on loan

Newcastle United have officially confirmed the loan signing of Aston Villa full-back Matt Targett for the remainder of the season.

The 26-year old headed to the North East earlier today to complete a medical and the deal has now been signed and delivered.

A statement from Aston Villa said: “Aston Villa can confirm that Matt Targett has joined Newcastle United on loan.

“The full-back will link up with the Magpies for the remainder of the 2021/22 season having made 19 appearances in all competitions for Villa this term.

“A graduate of the academy at Southampton, Targett spent time on loan with Fulham prior to making the switch to the midlands in the summer of 2019.

“He has since gone on to make over 80 appearances in claret and blue.”

Speaking to Newcastle United’s official website, Targett said: “I’m delighted to be here. I can’t wait to get going and meet all the fans and hopefully we can have a successful end to the season.

“My family have friends here and they’ve always said it’s a football-mad city, so to experience it and be part of it - I’m really looking forward to it.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe, in the same statement, added: “We have gone into this transfer window with a plan to add strong competition in specific areas of the team and Matt will be a fantastic option for us on the left.

“He has important Premier League experience and know-how at this level, so I’m really pleased we’ve been able to add him to the squad.””