Newcastle United pushed into transfer decision as three clubs approach £120k-a-week star
Kieran Trippier was an unused substitute at the weekend and has been linked with a Newcastle United exit
Atalanta and Galatasaray have emerged as front-runners to sign Kieran Trippier, according to reports.
Speculation over the defender’s future has persisted all summer and ramped up after Euro 2024. Trippier was part of the England squad that reached the final before agonisingly losing to Spain.
With just one year left on his contract and turning 34 next month, many have tipped Newcastle United to cash in. The Magpies received two offers from Bayern Munich in January but rejected them amid a crippling injury crisis.
Offers of a similar value - believed to be around £12million - could be accepted this time around. The 33-year-old was spotted twice jetting off to Dubai in recent months - fuelling potential Middle Eastern interest - but NewcastleWorld received no confirmation that the trips were transfer-related.
A move to the Saudi Pro League could appeal to Trippier for a final career payday. However, The Times claim Atalanta and Galatasaray are monitoring the situation before the August 31 deadline.
Eddie Howe told reporters earlier this week that he wanted to keep the England international - but did not rule out a move altogether. He said: “I see him as a huge part of the team and the squad going forward but there’ll always be, while we’re in the moment of financial fair play still affecting the club, the possibility that anyone could leave. So I won’t talk about individual players but, naturally, with incomings there will be outgoings as well.”
Trippier was an unused substitute for Newcastle’s 1-0 opening-day win against Southampton. He played a Tyne-Wear derby for the under-21s on Monday as he regains fitness following an extended summer break.