Matt Targett has expressed his desire for his loan move from Aston Villa to Newcastle United to become permanent.

The defender joined the club on a six-month loan in January and has impressed with his defensive tenacity and offensive ability.

The possibility of a permanent deal has been discussed since the summer, with some sources claiming that the Magpies have already agreed on a cost for the next window.

Targett, who was a fan favorite at Villa Park until Lucas Digne’s big-money signing in the winter window, confesses he wants to stay at St. James’ Park beyond the season.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” he remarked, “and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

“The boys and staff have welcomed me, and the fans have been fantastic with me, so I can only speak well of the club; I’ve had a great experience so far, and we’ll see what happens.”

“I’m hoping something can be worked out”, he added.

Targett was probably United’s man of the match against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, and head coach Eddie Howe was not surprised.

“He was extremely good again,” he said. “Crystal Palace has some excellent wide players, and he dealt with them admirably.”

“He stayed focused on his task, was superb in his positioning, and made excellent use of the ball, especially in the first half when we had control of the game. Matt put up a fantastic performance.”

Targett feels that the performance was among the best he’s ever put on in black and white.

“I would say that,” the former Fulham and Southampton player remarked, “Defensively, I was excellent, and I scored a free-kick for Joelinton at the start of the second half, so I was thrilled.”

“When you’re up against someone like Maxi (Allan Saint-Maximin), however, you have to adjust your game”.

“It’s all about finding the perfect team balance. Each game is unique. I’m not sure who’s in front of me, but I’m having a great time here. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Targett joined United at a time when they were in serious danger of relegation.

The Magpies may look forward to another season in the Premier League now that they are on 40 points and have a game against bottom-placed Norwich City coming up.

“Everyone mentions how good the manager and the players here have done in turning it around,” Targett remarked when asked if his former teammates at Villa had commented on Howe’s impact and the revival at United.

“Until the current owners arrived, I believe this was a really dark, dark location. It gave me a new lease on life.”

“The players were buoyed by the crowd, and we haven’t looked back since. It’s been a complete 180-degree turn”, he remarked.