Newcastle want Matt Targett in last-minute January transfer and Villa could sanction move after signing Lucas Digne

NEWCASTLE are keen to continue their winter spending spree by signing Matt Targett from Aston Villa in a last-gasp deal.

Bruno Guimaraes has been officially unveiled by Newcastle today in a club record £43m deal, but defensive reinforcements are being eyed in the form of Targett.

Marc Aspland - The Times

Targett is reportedly subject to late interest from Newcastle[/caption]

Newcastle have ‘registered their interest’ in the 26-year-old, and are looking to push ahead in a last-minute deal before tomorrow’s deadline, according to The Athletic.

But with the transfer window heading into its latter stages, a move is said to be ‘unlikely’ to go ahead.

Although the frantic nature of deadline day could see the situation rapidly change.

If a move for Targett fails, Newcastle are understood to still be exploring a number of other possible targets before the window slams shut.

Aston Villa’s £25m capture of Lucas Digne has seen Targett fall down the pecking order at Villa Park.

And with Ashley Young and new signing Calum Chambers both capable of playing at left-back, Steven Gerrard could allow Targett to move on.

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Kieran Trippier has already been recruited at right-back for Newcastle, but Eddie Howe wants Targett at full-back on the opposite side of the pitch.

Left-back is not a priority position for the Magpies, but Howe is desperate for all the help he can get in the fight to secure survival.

Dan Burn is set to come in at centre-back in a £13m move, with another centre-back still on the agenda before the deadline tomorrow, in what could turn out to be a busy day on Tyneside.

The signing of Targett would make it three defensive signings this window, with shoring up at the back being the main priority at the start of the month.

Further up the pitch Chris Wood has also been brought in for £25m to help fire the Toon to safety.

And despite the record signing of Guimaraes, Howe remains eager to add another attacker to his squad.

Jesse Lingard is a candidate, but the extortionate loan fee quoted by Manchester United has dampened Newcastle’s hopes of bringing in the England star.

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