Kieran Trippier reveals Newcastle United were not his only January transfer option amid Chelsea links

Newcastle United’s latest addition Kieran Trippier has revealed other clubs were interested in signing him this month.

Eddie Howe’s side moved quickly at the beginning of the January transfer window to strike a £12million plus add-ons deal with La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Trippier was on Tyneside for two days before the Magpies got the go-ahead to announce he had officially signed early Friday morning.

The delay perhaps sparked a few small fears that the deal had hit a stumbling block, with reports that Chelsea were also monitoring the situation.

Trippier, 31, admitted there was “some interest” from elsewhere, though his heart was set on a move back up north to Newcastle.

Kieran Trippier reveals ‘some interest’

“I had a great relationship with Atletico Madrid,” Bury-born Trippier told reporters at his media unveiling.

“We talked about this situation and they were unbelievable with me - the manager, the president and my teammates, they all understood and knew what I wanted.

“There was some interest but I made it clear I wanted to come back up north before Newcastle was even interested. My family are the most important thing to me.

“When I had the opportunity to come back to England and come back up north, I didn’t have to think twice about joining Newcastle.”

Why swap Spain for Newcastle?

On his decision to swap a team competing in the Champions League to one that is fighting Premier League relegation, Trippier explained: “I made it clear a few months back that if I had the opportunity to come back to the Premier League, I’d love to do so. It’s important for my family as well.

“It’s a great opportunity. I’m the type of player who loves challenges. I had a challenge with Atletico Madrid through changing countries and leagues. Now, I’m in Newcastle.

“I know the position that they’re in. I’m here to help as much as I can on and off the field. I have a great relationship with the manager. As everyone knows, I’ve worked with him before.”

Eddie Howe signed Trippier for Burnley over a decade ago before the right-back joined Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.

At international level, Trippier has also established himself as an England regular under Gareth Southgate.

Trippier added: “He is a great manager. I’ve kept in contact with him since I left Burnley. He was another big reason why I came here. I know what he demands in training and what he expects in games.

“I’m here to fight and to help as much as I can. The players I’ve played with and the managers that have coached me throughout my career know the kind of character I am.

“No matter what team I play for, I give 110%, and that will be no different here at Newcastle.”