Hull City agree deal to sign former Newcastle United and Aston Villa man
Hull City have agreed a deal to sign defender Matt Targett on a free transfer after his departure from Newcastle United.
Targett spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, and played in the play-off final defeat to City at Wembley. The 30-year-old played 45 times last season for Boro, scoring four goals and claiming four assists, and his arrival is set to be the second of the summer after Jack Butland, with more to follow.
The experienced defender, 30, is expected to undergo a medical and will join Sergej Jakirovic's squad for their pre-season training camp in Slovenia, which begins on Monday.
Hull Live understands Targett will pen an initial two-year deal at the MKM Stadium, and provide competition for Ryan Giles.
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Targett is expected to provide competition for Ryan Giles, and bolsters a key area of Sergej Jakirovic’s squad, though it's understood this move does not impact the Tigers' move for Swedish international Elliot Stroud.
A player with vast experience, Targett has made 164 appearances in the Premier League, with 83 of those coming for Aston Villa, 43 for the Toon Army and 38 for Southampton. He’s also notched three in the Champions League.
He joined the St James’ Park club four years ago in a £15m deal from Aston Villa, but only made 47 appearances in total on Tyneside.
After struggling for regular football under Eddie Howe, he moved to Teesside and was a key part of Boro’s run to the play-offs, but will now move to the MKM Stadium.
‘’Gutting way for it all to end, Targett said after Boro’s Wembley heartbreak at the hands of City. ‘Felt like we had a special group of players that had enough to get this club back to the Premier League. ‘Massive thank you to the fans that's supported us throughout the season and me personally, it means a lot."
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