According to AS, Atlético Madrid have identified Cesar Azpilicueta as a replacement for Kieran Trippier, who is heading to Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, this is an interesting development in Newcastle’s pursuit of Trippier.
AS believe the 31-year-old is keen to return to the Premier League, which he told his England teammates during EURO 2020.
The Spanish news outlet add that Trippier appeared to wave goodbye to the Atlético Madrid fans inside the Wanda Metropolitano after Sunday’s 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.
Despite his €60m (£50m) release clause, AS are claiming that Newcastle have struck a €30m (£25m) deal for the 35-cap England international.
Now, Simeone has identified Azpilicueta as a potential replacement.
The £6.5m Chelsea defender – who is also wanted by Barcelona – appeals to Atlético Madrid as he can also operate at centre-back as well as right-back.
Kieran Trippier is a great signing for Newcastle
The fact Atlético Madrid are already eyeing replacements for Trippier suggests this deal has progressed fairly quickly.
Now, if the Magpies do manage to bring the former Tottenham defender back to the Premier League, it would be a shrewd move.
Admittedly, £25m is a lot for the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) and Amanda Staveley to spend on a 31-year-old.
However, Trippier is an experienced Premier League player who is in great physical shape, so he should be able to make an impact immediately.
The ex-Burnley man was named in La Liga’s Team of the Season last term, as Atlético Madrid beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to the title.
As far as new signings go, Trippier would be a phenomenal addition to kick off the January transfer window for Newcastle.
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