(Football news) Matt Targett is set to become Newcastle United’s first official signing of the summer. According to reports, the player is on Tyneside to complete the formalities of a permanent move from Aston Villa, including medical checks as he has already personal terms with the club. The fee agreed to take Targett from Villa Park was around 15 million euros and also it was the first major piece of incoming business done by the club’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The 26-year-old left-back played 16 games in all for Eddie Howe last season as he was a crucial player during their brilliant second half of the season. He was signed on the deadline day of the January transfer window as Aston Villa and Newcastle agreed on a loan move. Howe explored the possibility of signing other left-backs, including Brazilian international Renan Lodi, but were put off by the wages demands of the player. Targett was initially in two minds about a permanent move to the newly promoted Fulham, where he had subsequently spent six months on loan in 2018.

Newcastle were believed to have been more eager to do the deal quickly as talks developed quite swiftly in the last seven days. Villa were willing sellers, having already signed Lucas Digne in the winter window from Everton. For Newcastle their attention will now turn to other incoming targets, with the Magpies being close to signing Reims’ striker Hugo Ekitike. The framework of the fee structure is still not decided, with a low down payment likely to be needed for Newcastle to adhere to the Financial Fair Play Regulations. The deal could well be around 37 million with add-ons included but they will be able to sign him much like the brokered arrangements that brought Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes to the club last winter transfer window.

Sven Botman is a player another Newcastle United are interested in signing but the player is likely to join AC Milan since they reopened the door to a move for a player. Botman is now expected to pen a long-term deal at the San Siro, with Paolo Maldini targeting players ahead of a Champions League campaign next season. However, with no fee agreed with Lille, Newcastle can still hijack the move for the player. 

Also read: Renato Sanches agrees personal terms with AC Milan