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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 22 April 2026 10:31, UK

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Matt Targett is keen to remain in the Premier League this summer amid interest from Everton and Leeds United, sources have told Football Insider.

The left-back is expected to leave Newcastle United on a free transfer at the end of the season, and he is set to pay serious consideration to any offers that would allow him to remain in the top flight.

The Middlesbrough loanee is attracting strong interest from both Everton and Leeds at the moment, but sources say that both clubs are currently viewing him as a potential backup option for their squads.

Targett is expected to have plenty of options available to him this summer, given that he has already notched four goals and three assists in the Championship this term.

Leeds’ transfer plans are set to see them add further depth to their squad to consolidate themselves in the Premier League again next term, and the 30-year-old is seen as ideal cover for Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Middlesbrough also set to have a say in Matt Targett race

Targett’s likely availability is already seeing him attract interest from several different clubs, and that will only grow when his departure from Newcastle is sealed.

This season has been the first in the last eight years that has seen the former Southampton and Aston Villa man ply his trade outside the top-flight, and he has unsurprisingly established himself as a key figure for Middlesbrough.

Kim Hellberg’s side still have a chance of becoming a Premier League team themselves next term, as they are just three points adrift of the automatic promotion places heading into their final three games.

Football Insider revealed on Monday that the Teesiders have already made it clear that they would “love” to keep Targett permanently, even if they remain in the second tier next term.

The defender is currently weighing up the options that are available to him ahead of his contract expiring, but the lure of the Premier League is expected to be a serious influence on his final decision.

Targett could form part of defensive revamp at Leeds

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Leeds are hoping to sign Ladislav Krejci from Wolves on a cut-price fee this summer.

The Whites are looking to take advantage of the Premier League’s bottom club ahead of next term, after West Ham’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace condemned them to relegation on Monday night.

Krejci has been identified as a player who could be prized away from Molineux on the cheap, and both he and Targett could potentially form part of a revamp to the defensive depth at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke has operated with three centre-backs and wing-backs in recent months, meaning that quality cover is sure to be needed if they are to kick on next term.