The ‘integral’ Newcastle United star Eddie Howe wants to keep after late Premier League interest

Eddie Howe has revealed his desire to keep Matt Targett at Newcastle United after the left-back attracted interest from other Premier League clubs.

As reported by NewcastleWorld earlier this week, the Magpies were approached by both Nottingham Forest and Fulham over Targett’s availability but those advances were swiftly rejected.

It’s our understanding that Targett was open to leaving St James’ Park having become frustrated with his lack of game time but Howe refused to sanction an exit.

Speaking on deadline day at his pre-Brighton and Hove Albion press conference, the Magpies’ head coach revealed the 27-year-old is an “integral” part of his plans.

Asked about the interest in Targett, Howe told NewcastleWorld: “Well I don’t know about that but Matt is an integral part of what we’re doing. There will be no part of me that wants to lose him.”

The Eastleigh-born defender first joined Newcastle on loan from Aston Villa in January 2022 before earning a permanent £13million 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 Dan 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, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Indeed, Targett could start at Brighton on Saturday evening with Sven Botman an injury doubt.

Elsewhere, Howe said last week Javier Manquillo could leave - but only if the player wants to. The Spaniard is understood to have attracted interest from clubs in La Liga.

“Yeah, I mean at this moment in time I’m focusing on the next game and I don’t quite know what’s happening with every transfer out,” said Howe. “Hopefully we can keep Javier.”

The versatile full-back has fallen further down the pecking order on Tynside following the arrivals of England under-21s duo Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. Manquillo was already behind the likes of Kieran Trippier, Targett and Burn.

Indeed, the 29-year-old endured a deeply frustrating campaign last time out - managing just six appearances in total - and missed the latter stages of pre-season because of a groin issue.