Matt Targett finds new club after Newcastle release and Boro transfer decision

The defender will make his Premier League return, having spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he played a crucial role in their run to the play-off final.

Targett’s time at Boro ended with defeat to Hull City at Wembley, however, condemning Kim Hellberg’s side to another season in the Championship.

Out of contract at parent club Newcastle United this summer, the possibility of re-signing Targett on a free was considered by Boro.

However, with his Premier League wage in mind, Boro opted to look elsewhere in the hope of finding a more attack-minded full-back.

Max Arftsen is well known to be a long-term target they are pushing hard to sign.

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But Targett proved a reliable option for Boro last season and while he may not have been as suited to how Hellberg wishes to take Boro forward, he showed more than enough defensive qualities.

In total, Targett made 45 appearances for Boro. He produced four goals and four assists during that time - most notably scoring a brace in Boro’s win at Birmingham City.

The 30-year-old will now get another opportunity in the top flight where he will provide competition for another Boro loanee in Ryan Giles.

Meanwhile, as Boro work to strengthen their left-back options, Finley Munroe is nearing a temporary exit - six months after joining the club from Aston Villa.

Boro have decided that the youngster will be better suited to getting regular game-time in League One next term. Munroe looks set to spend the campaign on loan at Blackpool.

Targett is putting the finishing touches on his move to Hull City, and is expected to be part of the group that travels to Slovenia for a pre-season training camp on Monday.

Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

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