Newcastle United star subject of shock enquiry as first January deal edges closer after medical

Bayern Munich are keen to make a shock move for Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier.

The German giants are looking to strengthen their options at right-back during the January transfer window with Noussair Mazraoui's call-up to Morocco's African Cup of Nations squad forcing former RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer into action as an emergency defender.

Bayern have already completed one deal with a Premier League club this month after Trippier's former Tottenham Hotspur and England team-mate Eric Dier joined Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena. The reigning Bundesliga giants were heavily linked with a move for Manchester City star Kyle Walker during the summer before he opted to pen a new three-year deal with the treble winners.

Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel recently admitted right-back was an area he feels need strengthening as his side aim for a twelfth consecutive Bundesliga title win and to win a fourth Champions League since 2000.

He said: "We are looking for a right-back who is strong in duels. We’ll see if something is possible. Nous Mazraoui is at the Africa Cup, but we have also gotten used to Konrad Laimer at right-back, even though it’s not his best position. If there’s an opportunity on the market, we’ll take it. Otherwise things will stay this way."

Trippier has been named as one option under consideration by the Bayern hierarchy and NewcastleWorld understands the Bundesliga club have made a tentative enquiry over the possibility of concluding a deal for the former Atletico Madrid star.

Trippier is now in the final 18 months of his current deal at Newcastle and was recently named as the North East Football Writers Player of the Year after helping the Magpies end their 20-year absence from the Premier League and reach their first major cup final since 1999.

Although little is known over Newcastle's stance over a possible deal, Trippier remains a trusted figure within Eddie Howe's squad and has received wholesome praise from the Magpies boss throughout his two-year stay on Tyneside.

Speaking after Trippier produced an outstanding defensive display in the goalless draw at AC Milan earlier this season, Howe said: “Kieran is a vital part of our defence. He did very well against a very dangerous opponent. He used his vast experience. I thought that was a real highlight in our back four. His experience and his communication are always strong, but it needed to be even more so tonight. I thought all the back four did really well.”

Bayern's interest in Trippier has come to light as the Magpies prepare for the departure of another of their options at right-back. Javier Manquillo is set to bring an end to his seven-year stay on Tyneside and reunite with former Magpies manager Rafa Benitez at La Liga club Celta Vigo. He was spotted in Spain last night as he undergoes a medical.

The emergence of summer signing Tino Livramento will be considered should Bayern make a move for Trippier after the former Southampton full-back impressed during the opening six months of his time on Tyneside. Of United's other right-back options, Emil Krafth is in the final six months of his current deal at St James Park and Harrison Ashby is currently on a season-long loan with Championship club Swansea City - although has recently returned to Tyneside for treatment on a hamstring injury.