Eddie Howe drops fresh Matt Targett, Middlesbrough FC recall update at Newcastle United | OneFootball

Matt Targett is currently at Middlesbrough from Newcastle United on loan

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has confirmed that there is a cut-off point for the club to recall Matt Targett from Middlesbrough this January.

The full-back joined the Teesside outfit in the summer on loan from the Magpies, and he has proven an important part of their promotion push.

Boro are aiming for a return to the Premier League under Kim Hellberg, who was appointed as head coach in November after Rob Edwards’ sudden departure to Wolves.

Targett has so far contributed two goals and two assists for the Championship side, having made 23 appearances in the second-tier.

However, he could have his loan spell at the Riverside cut short this January, if Newcastle opt to trigger the recall clause in his agreement. Targett would offer much-needed depth back at Newcastle as Eddie Howe's side seek to secure European football once again, though for the time being, he remains on Teesside.

Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle, Middlesbrough cut-off agreement involving Matt Targett

Howe has confirmed that Newcastle do not have until the 2 February transfer deadline to make a decision on Targett’s immediate future, with a cut-off point stated in the terms of the loan agreement.

The 48-year-old has claimed that no decision has yet been made, though one will come very soon, and that there is a constant dialogue between the player’s agent and sporting director Ross Wilson.

"I believe there's a cut off point but I believe Ross has been in regular dialogue with Matt's agent,” said Howe, via Sky Sports.

“We'll make a decision on that very soon."

Middlesbrough were eliminated from the FA Cup last weekend following a third round loss to Premier League side Fulham.

Targett started in the defeat, which means Boro’s sole focus will now be on competing for promotion to the top flight for the remainder of the campaign.

Hellberg will be hoping that the full-back will be a part of that push, instead of potentially returning to his parent club.

It remains unclear when the cut-off in his loan deal to recall him will pass, so his participation in 16 January's trip to West Brom is in doubt at this stage.

Matt Targett recall would be a big blow for Middlesbrough

Targett has performed well for Middlesbrough so far this season, so the existence of a cut-off point will at least bring this decision to a head sooner rather than later.

If he is recalled, the Championship side will at least have some time to sort out an adequate replacement before the market shuts.

But Hellberg will be keen to see him stay given his importance to the side and how close the team is to the fight for automatic promotion.

It’s unlikely Targett will be of much use to Howe through the second half of the campaign, and his return would be an extreme short-term solution to injury concerns in their squad.