Leeds United submit transfer enquiry to Newcastle United for defender | OneFootball

Leeds United have made an approach to Newcastle United about a potential January transfer

Leeds United have enquired about the availability of Newcastle United defender Matthew Targett ahead of next week's transfer deadline.

According to The Athletic, the Whites have made an approach to the Premier League side about the 29-year-old.

Targett has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, and has struggled for any game time over the last two seasons.

The full-back has made just one league appearance this campaign, coming off the bench in the final minutes in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in December.

Leeds United consider Matt Targett deal ahead of February 3

Leeds are potentially considering a move for Targett this January, with Daniel Farke looking to bolster his options at left-back.

The Yorkshire outfit are a little light in that area of the first team squad, with Junior Firpo being their first-choice and the versatile Isaac Schmidt very much considered a secondary option, with natural right-back Sam Byram preferred.

Dominican Republic international Firpo's contract is set to expire in the summer, and a departure from Elland Road appears likely at this stage, regardless of the club’s league status.

A more able deputy being brought in before the end of the January market would bolster the Leeds squad amid their push for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Targett has plenty of top flight experience, having competed in the Premier League 37 times for the Magpies, also playing for Aston Villa and Southampton at that level.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will sanction a move for Targett this month following Leeds’ reported enquiry, although it’s unlikely they’d stand in his way of a departure given his lack of minutes this season.

Matt Targett would be a solid short-term addition for Leeds United

Bringing Targett in on loan for the rest of the season would be a tidy bit of business for Leeds, who will be wary about the future of Firpo - both in this transfer window and for the summer.

Farke needs greater strength and depth in that position given their lack of strong options, and Targett should be available given how far down the pecking order he’s fallen at Newcastle.

The 29-year-old has plenty of Premier League experience and can provide adequate cover for Firpo to the end of the campaign.

A permanent move would be more questionable at this point in the player’s career, but it still wouldn’t be the worst move for Leeds either if Targett was to come in on a full-time basis - left-back is an area that Leeds need to strengthen and this looks to be a realistic potential deal.