---
title: "West Ham eye free agent Matt Targett as Nuno Espirito Santo seeks defensive depth"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/07/10/west-ham-eye-free-agent-matt-targett-as-nuno-espirito-santo-seeks-defensive-depth/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-07-10T16:01:12Z"
modified: "2026-07-10T16:01:19Z"
---

# West Ham eye free agent Matt Targett as Nuno Espirito Santo seeks defensive depth

**West Ham United are reportedly interested in free-agent left-back Matt Targett after his departure from Newcastle United.**

[Football League World reports](https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-west-ham-norwich-city-matt-targett-transfer-chase/) that West Ham and Norwich City are both eyeing the 30-year-old, who left Newcastle after his contract expired.

Targett spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough and rebuilt his rhythm in the Championship. He now looks set to have several options as clubs search for experienced defensive cover.

Newcastle confirmed earlier this summer that Targett would leave at the end of June, bringing his four-year spell at St James’ Park to an end. SportsBoom previously reported that a number of clubs were tracking him after his Newcastle exit.

ReadWestHam recently covered how [Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad still needs more defensive depth before the Championship opener](https://readwestham.com/INSERT-READWESTHAM-DEFENSIVE-DEPTH-LINK), and Targett would fit that low-cost market.

> 🚨 EXCLUSIVE 🚨\
> \
> West Ham United and Norwich City are both eyeing free agent left-back Matt Targett after his Newcastle United exit, Football League World understands 🔨🔰\
> \
> Read more here 👉 [https://t.co/QkFlyjD7I1](https://t.co/QkFlyjD7I1)[#WHUFC](https://x.com/hashtag/WHUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#NCFC](https://x.com/hashtag/NCFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/nzGGWVho9r](https://t.co/nzGGWVho9r)
>
> — Football League World (@FootballLeagueW) [July 10, 2026](https://x.com/FootballLeagueW/status/2075591025369010607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Targett Could Offer Nuno Championship Experience

West Ham’s interest makes sense on profile. Targett has Premier League experience, Championship minutes and would not require a transfer fee.

That matters in a summer where the club need to stretch their budget across several positions. Nuno’s squad still needs reliable depth, especially with a 46-game campaign ahead.

Targett also offers a natural left-back option. That could help West Ham avoid leaning too heavily on makeshift solutions during a demanding season.

Norwich’s interest gives the situation a clear Championship rival. Targett may choose the project that offers the strongest role and quickest route to regular football.

For West Ham, this would not be a headline move. It would be a practical one.

If the finances work, Targett could give Nuno an experienced option while the club continue to focus bigger money elsewhere.