Newcastle face competition for Matt Targett's signature while one figure at the club is having reservations about signing him, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Aston Villa left-back spent the second half of the season on loan at St James' Park and he has been heavily linked with a permanent transfer to the North East.

What's the latest news involving Targett?

With Targett out of favour at Villa following Lucas Digne's January arrival, a permanent switch to the Toon Army would appear a relatively easy deal to get over the line.

Furthermore, Targett recently told NUFCTV that he's keen on the move having established himself as a regular since he arrived but admitted that his future is in the club's hands.

"I think everyone knows what I want but it's up to the club. It's a massive project, an exciting project. I've loved every single minute of it."

Howe was also quizzed on Targett's future following the Burnley victory on Sunday, although his response was simply 'we'll wait and see'.

And Jones revealed that not only have Brighton entered the race for the 26-year-old, but someone at the club is unconvinced about a permanent transfer.

What did Jones say about Targett?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "He has other options in the background - and I understand Brighton are one of them.

"But Newcastle have the option to get him now and typically Eddie Howe is loyal to players that do well for him. From what I am hearing, one of the figures involved in signings is not convinced about this and that's why there is some uncertainty."

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Why do Newcastle want to sign Targett?

There are several reasons why Newcastle are keen on signing the left-back on a permanent basis, with perhaps the most obvious being he's a really reliable Premier League player in his position.

Following his arrival, Targett would play every minute for the Magpies, the exception being the game against Aston Villa when he was ineligible to play against his parent club.

Furthermore, according to WhoScored, he was Newcastle's fourth-best player this season, with the ex-Fulham loanee in the top three metrics for both tackles and interceptions made per 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, despite being the richest club in the world, meaning fronting up the money is no longer an obstacle, he would cost them around £15m, which is an extremely solid piece of business for someone of his quality.