![\"Middlesbrough's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_Middlesbrough-v-Derby-County-Sky-Bet-Championship-Riverside-Stadium.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNewcastle United have a recall clause with Matt Targett this month<\/p>\n
Middlesbrough’s Matt Targett (right) celebrates scoring(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has given the strongest indication yet that Matt Targett will be staying at Middlesbrough<\/a> until the end of the season.<\/p>\n Targett is enjoying a season-long loan at Boro<\/a> after two years of limited game-time at St James\u2019 Park. He\u2019s been an ever-present for Kim Hellberg, starring at both left-back and centre-back when needed during the current defensive injury crisis.<\/p>\n However, Newcastle have a recall clause this month and Howe had previously refused to rule out the possibility of ending the Boro loan early, with the Magpies struggling themselves at full-back thanks to injuries.<\/p>\n While Sven Botman and Tino Livramento have recently returned to action, Fabian Schar joined their long list of defensive absentees during Wednesday\u2019s win over Leeds United.<\/p>\n And while Howe is still not completely ruling out recalling the 30-year-old this month, he admits that the desire of the player is just as important as the need of the club.<\/p>\n Asked again about the potential of a recall at his latest pre-match press conference, Howe told Tyneside journalists: \u201cWe will reflect on all options that are available to us.<\/p>\n “We will try to make the right call. With Matt, there\u2019s not just our wants and needs, there\u2019s his as well and we have to balance both. Let\u2019s see what happens with that one.\u201d<\/p>\n Boro will hope that Targett is allowed to remain at the Riverside for the remainder of the season, given his influence so far this term.<\/p>\n Howe\u2019s response suggests Targett is also keen to remain at Boro, having admitted his frustrations with his lack of game-time at Newcastle when first arriving on Teesside in the summer.<\/p>\n Out of contract at the end of this season, Targett doesn\u2019t only have the short-term to think about. His performances this season will no doubt influence his longer term future beyond this campaign.<\/p>\n While Boro want to keep Targett this month, they are looking to trim their squad in other areas. One man who could leave this month is forward Delano Burgzorg.<\/p>\n Bristol City are understood to have contacted Boro about the possibility of signing the 27-year-old this month, as Gerhard Struber looks to strengthen his options.<\/p>\n Boro will be open to allowing Burgzorg to leave this month for the right price as they look to trim squad numbers and reduce the wage bill in order to facilitate their own planned arrivals.<\/p>\n They\u2019re close to signing Leo Castledine from Chelsea in a deal worth a little under \u00a31m, but still plan to add one more forward, if possible. Jeremy Sarmiento is one of a number of options being considered, with the financials of a deal the key to making that a reality.<\/p>\n ————<\/p>\n Here at TeessideLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Middlesbrough FC<\/a> coverage and analysis.<\/p>\n Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here<\/a> to subscribe.<\/p>\n Your information will be hidden, you’ll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n