Leeds United: Timeline revealed for Newcastle United transfer agreement | OneFootball

Leeds United and Newcastle United are in talks over a January transfer deal

Leeds United are optimistic of completing the signing of Matthew Targett from Newcastle United before this weekend.

According to The Northern Echo, talks between the two clubs are entering the final stages ahead of a potential move.

The Whites are in the mix for automatic promotion to the Premier League this season, with Daniel Farke looking to bolster his team in the final days of the winter window.

Targett has struggled for game time with the Magpies in the last couple of campaigns, and has made just four league appearances since the start of 2023/24.

Leeds United close in on Newcastle agreement

Newcastle are ready to sanction the sale of Targett this month following talks with Leeds.

The 29-year-old is not part of Eddie Howe’s first team plans, with Lewis Hall now established as the primary option at left-back for the Premier League team.

Meanwhile, Farke is keen to improve his options in that area due to the situation surrounding Junior Firpo’s future.

The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and it is increasingly likely that he will depart for nothing at the end of the season.

The pursuit of Targett is reportedly seen as a low-cost replacement for the defender, however it remains unclear what kind of fee it will take to agree a deal with the Tyneside outfit.

Leeds are hopeful that an agreement can be struck soon, with a deal completed potentially before the weekend.

Leeds United’s promotion ambition

Leeds are currently top of the Championship table going into the weekend, sitting two points clear of Sheffield United in second.

A 0-0 draw with third place Burnley on Monday evening has left the two teams separated by just three points after 29 games played each.

The Yorkshire outfit have drawn three of their last five in the league, but are unbeaten in their last 11.

Next up for Farke’s team is a home clash against Cardiff City on 1 February.

Targett signing will bolster Farke’s left-back options

A permanent move for Targett isn’t the most inspired of moves given his lack of game time in the last two years.

His injury record in that time also hasn’t been great, so that will be one for Leeds to pay very close attention to once he’s at the club.

A loan deal until the end of the campaign might’ve made more sense in a bid to bolster the team’s left-back options.