Leeds United set to swerve January agreement for Newcastle United player in new twist | OneFootball

A fresh update has emerged regarding the transfer saga involving Matt Targett

A fresh twist has emerged on Thursday morning surrounding Leeds United's reported pursuit of Newcastle United left-back, Matt Targett.

It was reported on Tuesday that the Whites had lodged an enquiry regarding the availability of the experienced full-back, before it was stated by the Northern Echo earlier on Thursday that the North East side were ready to press forward into the final stages of negotiations between themselves and Leeds.

However, according to a latest update from Lee Ryder of the Newcastle Chronicle, the publication has learned that links between the Championship outfit and Targett over a permanent move are "complete fabrication," with sources close to the Elland Road club also stating that no approach has been made.

This leaves Daniel Farke in an intriguing situation, as United's current first-choice left-back, Junior Firpo, who has recently returned to the matchday squad after a six-week lay-off, continues to be linked with a move back to his former side, Real Betis.

Other targets to potentially replace the Dominican Republic international have been mooted across periods of the winter window. But, ahead of next Monday's 11PM deadline, it looks as though Targett is one name Leeds will not be pursuing as they look to strengthen an already impressive squad amid their ongoing promotion bid.

Fresh twist emerges in Leeds United, Matt Targett transfer saga

Targett has found himself massively out of favour at St James' Park of late, only playing 11 minutes of Premier League football this season, which came in the 3-0 win over his former side, Aston Villa, on Boxing Day, before registering an assist in a 69-minute starting cameo in the FA Cup success over Bromley at the beginning of the month.

Matthew Targett - Newcastle United league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com)

Season

Appearances (Starts)

Goals (Assists)

2021-22

16

0

2022-23

17 (6)

0

2023-24

3 (1)

0

2024-25

1 (0)

0

As of January 30th

It was initially reported by the Athletic earlier in the week that Farke was considering a move for the Southampton academy graduate, despite already having the likes of Max Wober, Isaac Schmidt and the versatile Sam Byram as current options to fill the potential void left if Firpo was to depart, which seems likely in one way or another, with the former FC Barcelona man's contract expiring in June.

The Northern Echo then reported earlier on Thursday that Leeds, who are set to miss out on Daniel Svensson, had planned talks with the respective parties over concluding a deal ahead of this weekend's clash with Cardiff City at Elland Road, as they eye a low-cost replacement for the aforementioned Firpo.

However, in the latest update, the Newcastle Chronicle understand that suggestions over a permanent move for Targett to West Yorkshire are "complete fabrication".

This fresh report also adds that sources close to Leeds have stressed that neither a loan or a permanent bid has been launched at this moment in time, which leaves any developments up in the air, with just days of the window remaining.

Leeds United now face a tricky left-back predicament

It's clear that United see the left side of defence as somewhat of a problem position, which is largely down to the situation surrounding Firpo, rather than the defender's ability.

A deal to take Targett on loan would perhaps have been a viable option in the short-term, with the man who has made over 160 Premier League appearances gaining important first-team minutes after an injury-ravaged campaign last year, whilst also putting himself in the shop window with approximately 18 months left on his contract.

However, with it looking as if that may not occur, Leeds must turn their immediate attention to the likes of Bali Mumba, who was watched by United scouts in Plymouth Argyle's FA Cup success over Brentford nearly three weeks ago.

Firpo is injury-prone and already missed four games through suspension this season, all whilst his mid-term future remains in doubt. Byram has had his troubles with injuries, whilst Wober is a centre-back and another left-back option that's been absent at times this year.

It is certainly a tricky situation for many parties, but this cannot be a distraction for Farke and the rest of his squad, as they continue to lead the way in the second tier with 17 games remaining.