Newcastle United told to sign Matt Targett 'upgrade' after £35m update - pundit

Renan Lodi would be an upgrade on Matt Targett for Newcastle United, according to Kevin Campbell.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Arsenal striker and La Liga TV pundit suggested a potential £35million move would be good business for Newcastle.

Chronicle Live reported earlier this week (31 May) that Atletico Madrid will demand a £35million fee for the 24-year-old but there has been no contact over a possible move.

Another option for Eddie Howe is converting Targett's loan from Aston Villa into a permanent deal as the two clubs agreed a £15million fee in January.

However, a permanent move is yet to be finalised despite the 26-year-old thriving at St. James' Park in the second half of the 2021-22 season.

But Campbell has suggested Lodi would represent better value for money than Targett.

Asked for his verdict on a potential £35million move for the Brazilian, he told Football Insider assistant editor Dylan Childs: "He's a good player, a tough player.

"You play at the Atletico Madrid then you know you've got to have that mentality, that tough mentality.

"At £35million, Targett's £15million and Lodi's played in the Champions League, won La Liga, he's a winner. If you're going to do that you're going to upgrade.

"Fair enough, I totally get it."

Atletico and Newcastle did business in January when Kieran Trippier moved to St. James' Park for a £12 million fee.

He was the first signing under the new ownership but only played seven times after picking up an injury in February.

In other news, Newcastle United are racing to sign a Leicester City sensation.