Targett move loan deal with

DEFENDER HAS LIKELY PLAYED MAGPIES WITH CONTRACT DUE

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

NEWCASTLE United have effectively said goodbye to Matt Targett after agreeing a season long loan deal with North East rivals Middlesbrough.

The left-back was facing a season as a backup player at St James' Park and held open and honest talks with head coach Eddie Howe.

Targett was keen to stay in the North East and the left-sided player will hope to get a run in the side under Rob Edwards at the Riverside.

However, his time on Tyneside would appear to be up with his current contract expected to expire at the end of the season.

A Newcastle statement read: "Everybody at Newcastle United wishes Matt well during his time at Middlesbrough.

"Matt has joined Championship side Middlesbrough on loan for the 2025/26 season.

"The 29-year-old, who has featured 47 times for the Magpies since arriving from Aston Villa in 2022, makes the switch to Tees-side in search of regular football after overcoming injury setbacks in recent years.