Newcastle reject two offers from Nottingham Forest and Fulham – Craig Hope

Matt Targett explains 'easy decision' to confirm Newcastle stay as Eddie Howe emphasises contribution

According to Craig Hope at The Mail, Newcastle United have rejected loan bids for Matt Targett from Nottingham Forest and Fulham.

The left-back has lost his place in Eddie Howe’s side over the past year. Dan Burn has regularly slotted in, but he’s slipped further down the pecking order following the arrival of Lewis Hall; who has signed on an initial loan that includes an obligation to buy for £28m next summer.

Targett did feature in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, replacing the injured Sven Botman prior to Darwin Nunez’s 93rd minute winner.

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I can understand why we’ve rejected loan bids, as we may be an injury or two away from needing the 27-year-old. On the flip side, I wouldn’t be surprised if the player himself would welcome a temporary switch in search of game time.

After all, he left Aston Villa because he was frustrated by his lack of minutes, so he may feel the writing is on the wall regarding his first-team prospects following Hall’s arrival. If a decent permanent bid arrives, I do wonder if our stance would change.

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Newcastle United have made it clear to Nottingham Forest and Fulham that Matt Targett is not available on loan, according to the Daily Mail.

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Fulham boss Marco Silva is looking to bring in at least one full-back before Friday and the Cottagers have shortlisted Targett.

Nottingham Forest meanwhile have been linked with Arsenal man Nuno Tavares, however, that deal is not going through at the moment.

They are also trying to add a left-back this summer and Targett emerged as a potential candidate for that purpose.

It has been suggested that Fulham and Nottingham Forest asked about Targett’s availability on loan.

However, the Magpies have rejected their advances and they made it clear that the left-back is not available on loan.

Dan Burn is Eddie Howe’s first choice for the left-sided full-back position as Targett has only made a late substitute appearance in the Premier League so far.

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Now it remains to be seen what role Howe has in mind for Targett with the Magpies set to compete in this season’s Champions League alongside domestic cup competitions and the league.