Eddie Howe makes Newcastle United transfer exit admission as contract clause triggered

It’s been claimed this week that Trippier is open to exploring other opportunities as he rivals Tino Livramento for the right-back spot. This week also saw Bruno Guimaraes promoted as captain from the leadership group including Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Dan Burn, Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy.

“The situation is business as usual,” said Howe. “Tripps has trained really well this week. I'm surprised at a lot of the stories that have come out. He's a valuable member of the squad. His professionalism has been first class. He's trained really well since he's come back from the Euros.

“He's only had two weeks training, hence the decision to not start him at the weekend and Tino has had a very good pre-season. That's the situation. He continues to be really valued by all of us.”

Asked if Trippier had expressed a willingness to leave or stay, Howe replied: “Neither, he hasn't had to. He's trained as normal and he's been very good. I'm not really sure where this has come from. He's preparing as normal for the game on Saturday.”

Trippier has often worn the captain’s armband through his two-and-a-half-years on Tyneside. Howe insists the decision to hand it to Guimaraes isn’t “that big of a deal”.

Howe said: “A lot has been made of it [the captaincy]. It's not that big a deal internally. Jamaal is not going to be fit for a long period of time so he's been promoted to club captain so he's going to oversee the captain and is an incredible leader behind the scenes.

“Kieran and Dan in the leadership group continue to lead and Bruno has been promoted. It's a healthy group, there's more people in it. The players are on the pitch and have to lead.”

All said, Howe was unable to guarantee that Trippier would stay. The 33-year-old has two years left on his contract, instead of one, after an extension was automatically triggered last season.

“I hope [he’ll stay] but I can never answer these questions with absolute certainty because its football and the transfer window is always unpredictable,” said Howe. “My wish is that he stays here and continues to play for us.”