Middlesbrough cannot let Leeds United hijack Newcastle United transfer deal | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are faced with a frustrating transfer update ahead of the summer, with Leeds and Everton keen on signing Matt Targett.

Middlesbrough are set for a potentially busy summer transfer window ahead, as they could be preparing for life back in the Premier League.

The race for automatic promotion seems as though it's going to go to the wire, and Boro are in contention to make a push for a top-two finish this term.

They've not been at their brilliant best in recent months, but the unpredictable nature of the Championship has seen them keep in touch with the teams around them in the second tier standings.

Middlesbrough were last in the Premier League back in 2017, when they were relegated in what was their first season back in the top-flight, after winning promotion during the 2015/16 season.

The Boro fanbase have had to deal with Rob Edwards' departure midway through this year's league campaign, but they've kept up the momentum built by their former manager.

One player in particular that has caught the eye in his time with the club this season is Matt Targett, with the defender being a regular in the Middlesbrough starting XI, after moving to the Riverside on loan from Newcastle United.

It's recently been reported by TEAMtalk that Leeds United and Everton are rumoured to be keen on a deal to sign Targett on a permanent basis when the summer transfer window opens.

Matt Targett may have options aside from Middlesbrough ahead of 2026-27

Targett has been a versatile option to have in the Middlesbrough squad this season, and has been pretty much an ever-present for the Teessiders in all competitions as they hunt to win promotion from the second tier.

The 30-year-old has played at both left-back and centre-back, and has been effective at both ends of the pitch, which includes a brace against Birmingham City earlier this year.

Targett's strong showings seemingly haven't gone unnoticed, with Leeds United and Everton both being keen on reaching an agreement with the defender.

He's out of contract with Newcastle United at the end of this season, and it seems highly unlikely that he'll be renewing his deal at St James' Park, especially when the likes of Lewis Hall are catching the eye for all the right reasons.

Middlesbrough must act fast to secure an agreement for Matt Targett's services

Middlesbrough could certainly benefit from having a player of Targett's quality in their squad for next season, regardless of which division they're playing their football in.

Targett has spent the majority of his professional career playing in the Premier League, and so he's got that experience that could add something to the Boro squad if they were to make a timely return to the top flight.

If they were to fall short in their efforts to win promotion this season, then it seems like a tough ask for Middlesbrough to be able to convince Targett to make his move permanent, as the prospect of returning to the Premier League with either Everton or Leeds United is surely too good to turn down.

Targett has previously admitted that he would be open to making his loan move with Middlesbrough a permanent one, but with new interest in his services, it remains to be seen as to whether that stance will change ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

One of the main positives that Middlesbrough would have in their favour if they were to pursue a permanent deal for Targett is that they could offer him regular first-team football, whereas you'd have to question whether the full-back could get into either Leeds or Everton's starting XI.

Leeds already have Gabriel Gudmundsson and James Justin available to Daniel Farke, and Targett would surely only be used on a rotational basis at Elland Road if he signed for the Yorkshire giants.

Whilst Everton have Vitaliy Mykolenko starting regularly for them, and it seems a tough ask for Targett to dislodge him from the team, especially when the Ukranian has caught the eye this season.

Middlesbrough simply have to act fast with any potential agreement for Targett whilst he's still with the club, and it would be a real statement of intent if they were to tie him down to a permanent deal in the near future.