Eddie Howe’s eight-word response when asked about Newcastle United’s interest in Kieran Trippier

Eddie Howe refused to be drawn on speculation linking England full-back Kieran Trippier with a move to Newcastle United.

With the January transfer window quickly on the horizon, Trippier’s name has come to the forefront this week.

It is NewcastleWorld’s understanding that a deal could be struck for the former Burnley and Manchester City defender next month, with the player understood to be keen on a return to English football.

Howe, 44, signed Trippier for Burnley during his spell as boss in the North West before he signed for Tottenham Hotspur and then Atletico Madrid.

Eddie Howe’s eight-word response to Kieran Tripper links

When asked about the Trippier reports, Howe, speaking ahead of the trip to Liverpool, said: “I won’t be commenting on any individual players.”

What Eddie Howe said on the January transfer window

Howe added: “I can’t give you promises at the moment. The people above me are looking and working on that. My focus is the team.

“There’s a lot of games coming up but we’ll wait and see. As I’ve many, many times, January is notoriously difficult to predict and to have a clear plan.

“At this moment, it’s still virtually impossible because there are so many twists and turns to come.”