According to The Telegraph, Kieran Trippier has completed his medical ahead of a €13.5m (£11.3m) move to Newcastle, with an announcement expected today.
Interestingly, another transfer target for the Magpies has reacted to this news.
What’s the story?
Well, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are targeting Lille centre-back Sven Botman.
A €35m (£29m) bid was made – and rejected – although the Dutchman’s interaction with the Trippier news has added an interesting dimension to the saga.
As you can see below, Botman liked an Instagram post displaying a photoshopped image of Trippier in a Newcastle shirt.
The photo was posted by 433, and Romano was also seen to have hit like on the upload.
Now, why would a Dutch centre-back playing in France have any interest in what happens at Newcastle?
It may not seem like much, but in an era where a lot can be made of a player’s social media activity, it’s certainly interesting.
Newcastle could buy some stellar names after signing Kieran Trippier
When Deadline Day arrives, Newcastle could have one of the best backlines in the Premier League – on paper at least.
According to The Telegraph, a £22.5m bid has been made for Everton left-back Lucas Digne, who was regarded as one of the Premier League’s best before his fallout with Rafa Benitez.
Furthermore, a deal for Botman could still be on despite Lille rejecting Newcastle’s first bid.
To partner him, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) could sign World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti, as SPORT believe talks with Barcelona are progressing.
For a club languishing 19th in the Premier League, it would be pretty special to construct a backline of Digne, Umtiti, Botman and Trippier.
Keep an eye on developments at St James’ Park, as PIF and Amanda Staveley are clearly in the mood to spend.
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