Newcastle United place £100,000-a-week star on transfer list as Eddie Howe summer exodus ramps up

Newcastle United will listen to offers for £100,000-a-week forgotten man Matt Targett this summer.

Initially signed on loan in January 2022, the 28-year-old was a key reason behind the Magpies’ resurgence towards survival. A permanent move worth around £15million came the following summer but Targett has seen little game time since.

The defender picked up an injury early into the 2022-23 campaign, with Dan Burn deputising at left-back in his absence. Newcastle never looked back, going on to earn Champions League qualification with the top flight’s joint-best defensive record.

Targett’s frustrations continued in November when, just 30 seconds into the 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. Despite promising to return “better than ever”, NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies will move him on should a solid offer come in.

However, that could prove difficult given his astronomical wages, with the left-back’s contract also having two years left to run. Previous stints at Aston Villa, Southampton and Fulham make Targett a seasoned Premier League defender but, in an FFP/PSR-dominated world, potential suitors may baulk at his pay packet.

Offloading Targett would trim around £5.2million off the balance sheet - transfer fee aside. Eddie Howe is planning a mini exodus at St James’ Park as he aims to learn from last season’s mistakes.

Scottish reports claim Martin Dubravka could be set to join Celtic, with Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie the high-profile departees when the retained list was announced last month. Target has made just 20 Premier League appearances since making his move from Aston Villa permanent two years ago.