It may not be the January we were all hoping for, with outgoings the talk of Tyneside ahead of Monday’s deadline, but winter sales will hopefully pave the way for a big summer at Newcastle United.

Miguel Almiron has passed a medical ahead of a £11m move back to Atlanta United and it looks like another Mag *might* be nearing the exit door.

Conflicting claims have emerged on this one, but here’s the latest as Matt Targett is linked with a permanent move away from St James’ Park.

Another Mag nearing permanent move?

According to the Northern Echo, Matt Targett is closing in on a move to Leeds, with the paper stating that talks have reached the ‘final stages.’

Strong claims from chief writer Scott Wilson, who reports that Targett looks set to seal a permanent switch to Elland Road after an initial round of positive talks have progressed in recent days.

He states that Newcastle have decided to cash in now, rather than wait until the summer when he’ll have just 12 months left on his contract.

However, some very different claims have followed almost immediately from fellow North East reporter Lee Ryder.

Targett talks – True or false?

In his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has responded to suggestions that Targett is closing in on a move to Daniel Farke’s Leeds, painting a VERY different picture to that of the Northern Echo.

He reports that despite recent links, The Chronicle have been told that suggestions Leeds will make a permanent move for Targett are “complete fabrication.”

According to his sources in Yorkshire, Leeds have NOT approached Newcastle to sign the left-back this month, despite suggestions from The Athletic that the Whites had enquired over his availability.

We’ll leave it up to you who you believe. Either way, it would be good news for the club and a fresh start for Targett if he could find a permanent move this month, raising additional funds and handing him the chance to get his career back on track after a few injury-riddled seasons on Tyneside.