Newcastle United are unlikely to make Matt Targett's loan move from Aston Villa permanent, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Magpies became the world's richest football club after the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund led a £305million takeover last October and Targett was among their first arrivals.

What's the latest news involving Targett?

Targett joined Newcastle on deadline day of the January transfer window, with head coach Eddie Howe admitting to seeing the left-back as 'a fantastic option', but the agreement does not include the option of being made permanent.

The 26-year-old has made an impressive start to life at St James' Park and appears to be making a telling impact in his new surroundings after suffering just two defeats.

Newcastle's upturn in form has allowed them to climb away from the Premier League's dreaded relegation zone, with them going into the weekend sitting nine points clear of the bottom three.

Villa are reportedly willing to sanction Targett's permanent transfer for in the region of £15million in the summer.

Targett's parent club are in a strong negotiating position as his £35,000-per-week contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2025.

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What has Dean Jones said about Targett?

Jones believes there is a possibility that Newcastle will meet Villa's demands in order to keep him at St James' Park beyond the end of his loan agreement.

But the transfer insider feels Howe, who was appointed as the Tyneside club's boss in November, could look elsewhere to bolster his options in the left-back position.

He is unsure as to where Targett will be featuring when the new campaign gets underway.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Matt Targett's future is up in the air at the moment.

"There is a possibility that he will join Newcastle but, at the moment, it doesn't seem likely."

What are Targett's other options?

Targett headed out of Villa after head coach Steven Gerrard deemed him to be surplus to requirements following Lucas Digne's arrival for up to £25million from Everton.

As a result, it would appear unlikely that the former Southampton man has a future with the Midlands club.

According to Football League World, Championship side Fulham are monitoring Targett's situation ahead of the transfer window reopening.

The Cottagers appear to be on course for promotion back to the Premier League as they are currently clear at the top of the second tier.

Targett previously had a spell on the west London club's books, racking up 21 appearances.