Newcastle United are ready to sign permanently Aston Villa fullback Matt Targett.

The Daily Mail says Newcastle are looking to close a £12million deal with Aston Villa for left-back Targett.

Talks took place on Tuesday with Newcastle looking to take up the option of signing the 26-year-old following his impressive loan spell.

Fulham had also shown an interest while Newcastle have considered other left-back options.

The Magpies fortunes changed beyond the January window, after a poor first half of the season.

Boss Eddie Howe began to shape his squad to his liking, bringing in a number of fresh faces.

He signed Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier permanently. Howe also brought in Aston Villa left-back Targett on loan.