Paul Mitchell absolutely must force ‘quality’ Newcastle player to stay after Eddie Howe plea

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Paul Mitchell did not give Eddie Howe the new signings his Newcastle United squad needed this summer.

Major signings were hard to come by, with Newcastle United failing to address their two main priorities during the transfer window.

Alan Shearer criticised Newcastle’s lack of transfer activity, after what was an extremely frustrating summer for everyone involved with the club. Newcastle are expected to address the transfer disappointment in the near future, with CEO Darren Eales very much under pressure at this moment in time.

But while Newcastle’s squad is not going to get stronger between now and January, there is a chance it could get weaker.

Kieran Trippier linked with Turkey transfer

The Premier League’s transfer window is now closed, but it is still open in Turkey.

And that could give Kieran Trippier an opportunity to leave Newcastle United after a summer of uncertainty for the 33-year-old.

Last month, Trippier told Newcastle that he wants to leave. However, August 30th passed with Trippier still at St James’ Park. That was great news, as Trippier is a very important player despite losing his place in the starting XI to Tino Livramento.

However, there are still rumours that Trippier could leave Newcastle to join a club in Turkey, with Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett stating that Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Eyupsor are keen.

• READ MORE: Who is Kieran Trippier? Age, height, family, net worth

Newcastle absolutely must keep Kieran Trippier

Despite Trippier’s desire to leave, it is absolutely vital that he stays at St James’ Park – at least until January.

Paul Mitchell must not sanction a move away for the former England defender, especially given what Eddie Howe has said about Trippier’s future.

Following Newcastle’s draw with Bournemouth, Howe said he is ‘desperate’ for the ‘quality’ Trippier to stay.

Given the Magpies’ lack of summer signings, they simply cannot afford to let Trippier go – even if he is not a guaranteed starter now.

Had Marc Guehi or another centre-back arrived, losing Trippier would have been a bit more palatable. It would have left Emil Krafth as Livramento’s deputy, which would have been sufficient.

However, with no new centre-back joining the club, Krafth is also needed at the heart of defence. He is Fabian Schar’s understudy, and has enjoyed a solid start to the new season during the Swiss defender’s suspension.

If Newcastle were to let Trippier go, it would stretch their defensive options even further. Krafth would suddenly be covering two positions, which would be a massive risk.

While Trippier might want to go, Newcastle need to put the club first. That means Trippier has to stay for now.

The situation can be reassessed in January, but for now Mitchell must ensure that Trippier remains a part of Eddie Howe’s first-team squad.