Middlesbrough have completed the loan signing of Newcastle United defender Matt Targett.
The experienced left-back has joined Boro for the season, which will bring him to the end of his current contract with Newcastle.
Targett, who will wear the No.3 shirt, becomes Boro’s seventh signing of the summer and is a key addition, with strengthening at left-back having been a priority on Teesside.
Boro identified Max Arfsten as a leading target, but Columbus Crew made it clear the USA international wasn’t for sale.
At that stage, Boro turned their attention to potential loan signings and will continue to assess Arfsten’s situation ahead of a possible fresh move for the wing-back in future windows.
After accepting defeat in their pursuit of Arfsten, Targett was quickly identified as a Premier League loan option by the club’s recruitment team, and boss Rob Edwards gave the move the green light.
There was interest from elsewhere in Targett, but the move to the Riverside appealed to the 29-year-old. Targett brings vast experience, having played 164 times in the Premier League.
With Neto Borges seen by Edwards as a centre-half and Alex Bangura out injured, Boro have started the season without a recognised left wing-back, though Sammy Silvera has impressed enormously and still has a key role to play moving forward.
But Targett is a natural fit in the position and can play at left-back or left wing-back. He joined Newcastle from Aston Villa for £15m in 2022 after initially impressing on loan, and was a hugely important figure in his early days at St James’ Park.
Targett had hamstring surgery late in 2023 and has since struggled to re-establish himself in Eddie Howe’s side. Lewis Hall enjoyed a breakout season last term, while the Magpies also have Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn who can play left-back.
Targett joins Boro on the back of a full pre-season with Newcastle.
The left-back is expected to be followed into the Riverside by Kaly Sene, with Boro putting the finishing touches to the signing of the Lausanne striker.
Boro – who have enjoyed a flying start to the Championship season – are also in the market for one more forward ahead of next Monday’s deadline, but are braced for a fresh bid from Southampton from Finn Azaz.
While Azaz could yet leave in the coming days, Boro have made it clear that Hayden Hackney is not for sale.
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