Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe's 'priority right now' is to tie Matt Targett down to a permanent St James' Park deal despite reports of a big-money bid for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney being in the offing, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Targett joined the Magpies on loan from Premier League rivals Aston Villa in January and there are question marks as to whether he will remain on Tyneside.

What's the latest news involving Targett and Tierney?

Targett has confirmed that he wants to remain at Newcastle heading into next season but admitted the decision is out of his hands.

Howe, meanwhile, was non-committal when asked whether the 26-year-old has a future at St James' Park as he simply stated 'we'll wait and see'.

It comes after it was revealed a broad agreement is already in place for Newcastle to sign Targett for £15million.

But Howe may have turned his attentions towards another left-back as the Magpies are reportedly pondering over whether to lodge a £50million bid for Arsenal's Tierney.

The Tyneside giants are able to splash the cash as last October's £305million takeover by the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund resulted in Newcastle becoming the richest club in world football.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about the situation?

O'Rourke is puzzled by Newcastle's reported pursuit of Tierney despite the Scotsman showing he is a talented left-back.

The journalist believes the Magpies are, instead, doubling down on ensuring Targett will remain at St James' Park.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It would be a strange target. Obviously, we have seen Kieran Tierney, when fit, is a very key part of that Arsenal defence. I think they missed him in the last few weeks of the season when he was injured and that contributed to them missing out on the Champions League.

"He is a quality left-back, but I think Matt Targett had a really good spell on loan at the club and Eddie Howe has suggested he would like to make that move permanent.

"I think Newcastle's priority right now is to try and get that deal done."

Should Newcastle spend big on Tierney?

Forking out £50million would result in Tierney becoming the most expensive signing in Newcastle's entire history, but that would be viewed by many as a risk.

That is because the 24-year-old has already suffered a string of injuries during the early stages of his career, with a knee problem which required surgery ruling him out of action since March.

Although the 32-cap Scotland international has won an abundance of silverware, splashing the cash on an injury-prone star could backfire on Howe and Newcastle.