Newcastle United transfer approach rejected as two Premier League clubs attempt to sign £13m star

Newcastle United have rejected an approach from Nottingham Forest and Fulham in regards to signing Matt Targett before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Targett made his first appearance of the 2023-24 Premier League season as a late substitute during the Magpies’ 2-1 defeat to 10-man Liverpool on Sunday evening after Sven Botman was forced off with an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old was introduced at left-back with Dan Burn moved back into central defence alongside Fabian Schar. Targett has found himself behind Burn since dropping out of the starting XI nearly 12 months ago.

As reported by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Targett is attracting interest from league rivals Forest and Fulham but those advances have been knocked back by Newcastle. To add to that, NewcastleWorld understands Targett is open to leaving St James’ Park having become frustrated with his lack of game time.

The Eastleigh-born defender first joined Newcastle on loan from Aston Villa in January 2022 before earning a permanent £13m move the following summer after he helped the club fight off Premier League relegation.

He began last term as Howe’s first-choice left-back but a frustrating start with a leg injury and then illness allowed Burn to make the spot his own. As a result, Targett has made just two Premier League starts since September.

Howe is aware of Targett’s concerns over his playing time but has told the former Southampton academy graduate he will get opportunities to play in a campaign where United are competing in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

As well as Targett, Howe also has Lewis Hall to call upon after the 18-year-old completed his move from Chelsea last week. The summer transfer window shuts on Friday (September 1) at 11pm.