Despite signing Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa in January and witnessing him put in some great performances, there is now no guarantee that Newcastle United will make the English full-back’s switch permanent.
Manager Eddie Howe could, instead, look to sign a younger, more forward-thinking attacking full-back and one player the Magpies are reported to be keen on is Atletico Madrid’s Renan Lodi.
That’s according to a recent report from journalist Jacque Talbot, who has claimed the Geordies have Lodi, 24, listed as a summer transfer target.
Exc: Renan Lodi remains a target for Newcastle despite the glowing performances of Matt Targett, who will hold talks with the club in the summer. The club have a list of left-back options and both names are on it. [Via @Transfersdotcom] https://t.co/WFsXSrxOlg
— Jacque Talbot (@jac_talbot) April 25, 2022
MORE: Man United handed major boost after £60m-linked midfielder fumes at being substituted
The targeting of Lodi is certainly ambitious and one that perfectly demonstrates the trajectory of the club since its eye-watering takeover at the end of last year.
Virtually nailed-on to avoid relegation this season, the next campaign will likely see the Magpies look to continue their development and strive to establish themselves as a side worthy of challenging for European qualification.
When it comes to Lodi, the Brazilian, who has three years left on his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, is certainly proven at playing at the highest levels.
Not only has the 24-year-old remained a mainstay in Diego Simeone’s team since his arrival from Athletico-PR in 2019, but his contributions, both defensively and offensively, have seen him rack up six goals and nine assists in 115 appearances, with his most notable achievement coming last season after lifting the La Liga title.