Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett has been the subject of transfer speculation as we approach the final few days of the January transfer window.

The 29-year-old defender impressed during a loan spell with the Magpies in 2021-22, prompting a permanent switch to St. James' Park from Aston Villa the following season for a reported fee of £12million. However, Targett has made just 28 appearances in all competitions since making the move to the North East a permanent one, featuring just twice this season for a total of 80 minutes.

He finds himself down the pecking order behind Lewis Hall and Dan Burn at Newcastle United which has raised questions about his long-term future at the club. Leeds United are among those linked with a move for Targett, with reports claiming earlier this week that Daniel Farke's side had enquired about his availability heading into deadline day.

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However, our sister title Leeds Live claim that the ex-Aston Villa man isn't someone that Leeds want to sign, saying: "United are not in the running to sign Newcastle United Matty Targett, despite contrary speculation. Left-back is not thought to be one of the areas of transfer concern for the club, who have always maintained that a quiet window is on the cards."

Newcastle are set to sanction the departure of right-winger Miguel Almiron before the deadline on February 3, though it looks as though he'll be the only departure this month, as things stand. That being said, Targett remains someone who could, feasibly, leave United this window with his contract set to expire in 2026.

MLS outfit Charlotte FC and Bundesliga sides Eintracht Frankfurt and FSV Mainz 05 have been linked with him previously, while Fulham and Leicester City have also been credited with an interest in the defender. As well as Hall and Burn, Newcastle also have Lloyd Kelly and Kieran Trippier who can play at left-back.

Targett has suffered with a number of injuries over the last couple of seasons, including an outbreak of excema which laid the player low.

Newcastle are on track to pass the Premier League's PSR measures, though it's unlikely the Toon hierarchy will give the green light for any incoming transfers this month. Any sales will be banked until the summer.

Fellow defender Lloyd Kelly has been targeted by a number of clubs this month, including Fenerbahce and Juventus. Interest has cooled somewhat in Kelly, though Juventus remain keen if a deal could be done that was just a straight loan.

The former Bournemouth man joined on a free transfer in the summer. Newcastle aren't interested in a loan move and would expect a fee of £25m to sanction a departure before the window closes.