Newcastle United transfer admission will interest West Ham United as deal not ruled out

Trippier has proven to be a transformative signing since arriving from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 with his opening 18 months coinciding with the Magpies’ rapid rise from battling Premier League relegation to qualifying for the Champions League.

The right-back registered 10 Premier League assists last season - the joint third highest in the division - but endured a frustrating second-half of the campaign by missing three months because of a calf injury.

Trippier, who was the subject of two rejected bids from Bayern Munich in January, turns 34 in September and is into the final year of contract. There is interest from Saudi Arabia, while the Daily Telegraph claim West Ham United are considering a move - should he become available.

Although Howe admits he sees the former Tottenham Hotspur man as a “huge part of the team”, he was unable to say for certain he’d be staying at St James’ Park.

“I see him as a huge part of the team and the squad going forward,” said Howe said. “But, as I said earlier, while we’re in this moment of financial fair play still affecting the club, there’s still a possibility that anyone could leave.

“I won’t talk about individual players, but there will naturally be with incomings, there will be outgoings as well.”

Asked if he is confident Trippier wants to stay or if there could be offers from elsewhere, Howe replied: “I don’t think Kieran’s openly looking to leave. He’s been very good in training this week.

“He’s come back with an ambition to play and to fight for his place, like every player does when they come back during pre-season. So there’s been no issues. I see a player that’s fully committed.”

Trippier reported back for pre-season training on Monday after being handed extra-time off for reaching the Euro 2024 final.

Howe expects the player to be involved in the Sela weekender at St James’ Park, which sees his face Girona on Friday before Stade Brestois visit the day after.