Hull City Agree Matt Targett Deal, Chase Aston Villa's Leon Bailey

Hull City have reportedly agreed terms to sign Newcastle United left-back Matt Targett and are simultaneously chasing Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, according to sources. The Championship side are making ambitious moves in the transfer market under manager Liam Rosenior.

Targett Agreement Close

The Tigers are believed to have secured a deal for Targett, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa from Newcastle. The 28-year-old defender has struggled for game time at St James' Park, with Eddie Howe preferring Dan Burn and Lewis Hall on the left flank. Hull are reportedly set to offer Targett a regular starting berth as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.

Targett's experience in the top flight — he has made over 150 appearances across spells with Southampton, Newcastle, and Aston Villa — would provide invaluable leadership for a young Hull side sitting 6th in the Championship. His delivery from set pieces could also bolster a team that has scored 8 goals from dead-ball situations this season, the 4th highest in the division.

Bailey Chase Adds Firepower

In a more ambitious pursuit, Hull are reportedly chasing Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey. The Jamaica international has been in and out of Unai Emery's side, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists in 20 Premier League appearances this term. Bailey's pace and direct running would add a different dimension to Hull's attack, which has relied heavily on the creativity of Jaden Philogene and the finishing of Liam Delap.

However, prising Bailey away from Villa Park would be tough. Villa are in a tight race for European qualification, sitting 4th in the Premier League, and Emery has often used Bailey as an impact substitute. A deal would likely require a substantial fee and convincing Bailey that regular Championship football outranks a bit-part role in the top flight.

Transfer Market Context

Hull's activity signals a clear intent from owner Acun Ilicali to invest in promotion. The club have already spent £5 million on Liam Delap and £2.5 million on Jaden Philogene this season, but securing both Targett and Bailey would represent a statement of ambition. For Newcastle, offloading Targett's wages (reportedly around £50,000 per week) would help their Financial Fair Play compliance. For Villa, selling Bailey could generate funds to strengthen other areas, particularly their defensive midfield options.

  • Targett has made just 8 appearances for Newcastle this season, the last coming in September 2023.
  • Bailey's contract at Aston Villa runs until 2026, giving the club significant leverage in negotiations.
  • Hull have won 4 of their last 6 Championship matches, keeping clean sheets in 3 of those wins.

What's Next for Hull

With the January window open, Hull need to act swiftly to finalise both deals. Targett's arrival could be confirmed within days, while the Bailey pursuit may drag until the final week of the month. If Hull secure both, they would boast one of the strongest squads in the Championship — a left-back with Premier League pedigree and a winger capable of unlocking any defence at this level. The promotion race just got more interesting.

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