- Matt Targett returns to Newcastle United
- Middlesbrough publish retained list
- Transfer boost for Leeds United and Everton
Leeds United and Everton have had their hopes of signing Newcastle United star Matt Targett as a free agent boosted today by news coming out of Middlesbrough.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at St James’ Park this summer and is expected to leave as a free agent, ending a four-and-a-half-year stay on Tyneside.
Targett had spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship and turned heads across a sterling campaign, which saw him make 42 second tier appearances.
Middlesbrough confirm Matt Targett return to Newcastle United
The defender, who picked up four goals and four assists, also featured in Boro’s controversial play-off campaign against Southampton and Hull City, which saw them lose 1-0 to the Tigers at Wembley Stadium.
Kim Hellberg’s side were known to be keen on keeping Targett at the Riverside Stadium permanently but, with Premier League interest in his services, it was expected that Boro would only do so if promotion was achieved.
With the North East side now set for another season in the Championship, their retained list was published on Thursday. In it was confirmation that Targett would return to Newcastle United.
That will be a blow to Boro, who had a headstart in contract negotiations with the player ahead of his release, given that he was already with the club.
With the departure confirmed, Targett wrote on Instagram: “Gutting way for it all to end. Felt like we had a special group of players that had enough to get this club back to the Premier League. Massive thank you to the fans that’s supported us throughout the season and me personally, it means a lot.”
Leeds United and Everton monitor free transfer
That news is a boost to rivals interested in signing the player this summer. Leeds United and Everton were both credited with interest in Targett last month.
Today, the latest from SportsBoom suggests that both sides are still closely monitoring a transfer. Derby County, Southampton and newly-promoted Coventry City are also named as potential destinations for the former Aston Villa man.
Targett has 164 Premier League appearances to his name. A move to St Mary’s Stadium would be a return to the club where he came through the academy as a youngster, having been born in Hampshire.
Newcastle could be in the market for a new full-back this summer should transfer interest in Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall materialise – Eddie Howe has been adamant that the two defenders are involved in his thinking for next season, and not for sale.
Even if Hall or Livramento were to depart, it would be surprising to see the Magpies offer Targett a new deal. The club are known to be pivoting to prioritising more youthful arrivals, and Howe has already had success using Lewis Miley as a makeshift full-back.
In other news, Anthony Gordon medical update after Barcelona delay amid Newcastle United exit.
