Diego Simeone drops Kieran Trippier hint as Newcastle United close in on Atletico Madrid star

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has left the door open for Kieran Trippier to complete a move to Newcastle United.

The England full-back is top of Eddie Howe’s January transfer wishlist after an official bid was lodged on Monday.

NewcastleWorld understands the Magpies are confident of bringing Trippier to St James’ Park, despite a few things still needing to be ironed out.

The 31-year-old is keen to return to his homeland and reunite with Eddie Howe, who previously signed the player for Burnley.

However, there are reports that Chelsea are also interested in Trippier following injuries to full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

Trippier has spent the last two-and-half-year in Spain, helping Atletico win the La Liga title last season after joining from Tottenham Hotspur.

At international level, Trippier has also excelled.

He scored in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against loss to Croatia, while he assisted Luke Shaw’s opener in penalty shootout to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

Simeone, speaking about Trippier’s future, all but confirmed the Spanish champions were willing to strike a deal with Newcastle.

He said: “Trippier now has to decide if he wants to leave or not. We’ll move after his decision.”

Why would Kieran Trippier be a good signing for Newcastle United?

Trippier would add much-needed experience and quality to a United defence that has shipped 42 goals already this term.

He’d also arrive with a reputation of being a somewhat set-piece specialist, a trait the current crop of players on Tyneside rarely possess.

Competition in the full-back area is light, with Javier Manquillo and Jamal Lewis the only two recognised at the club.

Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie, both fielded as wing-backs in recent months, have been questioned defensively.

Trippier has had the luxury of working under Simeone since 2019, a manager renowned for his defensive skills.

Given Trippier’s high-profile, his arrival could persuade a few more well-known players to join Newcastle’s exciting project.