Matt Targett could be sold by Newcastle after confirmed transfer news – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Newcastle United are right to pursue an upgrade on left-back options Matt Targett and Dan Burn amid links to Croatia international Borna Sosa.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested a “box-to-box, more attacking” player is needed to mirror the talents of right-back Kieran Trippier.
According to German outlet Bild (17 November), Newcastle will race Inter Milan and Atalanta for the signing of Sosa in January – with the defender valued at €20million (£17.5million).
The report claims the Stuttgart ace has recently signed with the ICM Stellar agency – which represents Magpies stars Nick Pope and Jonjo Shelvey.
Targett started the season first choice following his permanent arrival from Aston Villa in the summer, but has lost his place to natural centre-back Dan Burn.
Newcastle sit third in the Premier League after losing just one of their 15 Premier League games before the mid-season World Cup break.
Whelan urged Eddie Howe’s side to take advantage of their lofty league position in the transfer market.
When asked if left-back is rightfully a priority for Newcastle in January, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, for sure.
“That’s one area of the pitch they’ll look at and want to make a bit stronger.
“They’ve got Trippier on the other side, who is a top-quality, international player.
“Dan Burn isn’t a natural option at left-back. Matt Targett has been consistent, but he hasn’t set the world alight.
“They need a box-to-box, more attacking full-back.
“If you’re Newcastle and sitting third in the league, you’ve got to always be in the market for someone like Sosa who can be an upgrade on Targett or Burn.”
In other news, pundit claims Bruno Guimaraes’ head may have been turned after Newcastle United source’s club-record reveal.