Newcastle are reportedly very interested in signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid.
That’s according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who broke the news on BBC’s Football Daily podcast.
He said: “I hear from Atletico Madrid that Newcastle are really interested in getting Trippier. And they’ve started negotiations with his people.”
That’s a big claim from Balague, who also broke the news earlier in the week that Unai Emery would turn down a move to Newcastle. That turned out to be true, with the Magpies now turning their attention to Eddie Howe.
The 43-year-old will reportedly sign a two-and-a-half year contract with the club.
But could Trippier become one of Howe’s first signings at St James’ Park?
Kieran Trippier would be an unlikely but incredible signing
Kieran Trippier would walk into our starting XI. Whether it’s as a right-back or a wing-back, he’s miles better than what we’ve currently got.
The 31-year-old is an England regular, and famously scored in the World Cup semi-final back in 2018. However, he has failed to make Gareth Southgate’s most recent Three Lions squad.
But a move for Trippier feels massively unlikely. He’s currently playing in the Champions League and competing for the La Liga title. Is he really going to swap that for a Premier League relegation battle?
But it’s interesting to know that the club are already negotiating with players’ representatives, if Balague is to be believed of course.
It is strange, however, as the club are yet to appoint a manager or even a sporting director. The fact they’re already negotiating transfers seems somewhat rushed.
Will Howe want to sign Trippier? You’d imagine yes just based on how good a player he is. But there are no guarantees.
Even then, it highlights the lofty ambitions of the new Newcastle owners. But are they trying to run before they can walk?
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